stereotypes in musical theatre

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 1/3/12 at 9:26pm

Ok, this is very random, but I just came across this interview from a couple years ago with Kyle Dean Massey. The interviewer asked (referring to a twitter question), "How do you deal with the stereotype that musical theatre guys are gay?" and he replied, "The stereotype's a stereotype because honestly it's true."(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBtcozBGuSs) I thought that was a strange question to ask, especially to someone who happens to be gay. I also recall seeing Aaron Tveit comment in his Broadway.com Show People interview that it was great/different working with Tom Wopat and Norbert Leo Butz in Catch Me, and how they could talk about things like baseball together (he alluded to it being refreshing because they were all straight, but didn't directly say that). Is Massey right that the stereotype is simply true- isn't it more complicated than that/is that stereotype negative in any way? Just was wondering people's thoughts on this:).

[bobbybaby85]

Posted: 1/3/12 at 9:41pm

It is true. It doesn't help that all four of Liza's husbands turned out gay... she's pretty much the poster girl for Broadway.

[Starcarolina]

Posted: 1/3/12 at 9:41pm

It is just a shame, dang it, that stereotypes are so obvious. Some of 'em should just man-up!

Posted: 1/3/12 at 9:58pm

.... another stereotype is that they are also mostly bottoms too....

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 1/3/12 at 10:59pm

I don't think it's fair to say it's true. Yes, there are a lot more gay actors than there are gay accountants and farmers, but that shouldn't mean anyone should make such a generalization. There are a lot of popular leading broadway actors now who are straight, not that it should make any difference to any of us. I don't know about you, but I could care less who a performer I happen to enjoy sleeps with.

[emilyfaye48]

Posted: 1/3/12 at 11:10pm

there are lots of great and straight leading men.... and then the chorus boys....