BWW Blog: Annalise Prentiss - Color-Conscious Casting

Let's be real. I want to score tickets to Lin Manuel Miranda's new hit musical Hamilton. So, imagine my dismay when I am waiting in line to enter the theatre doors of another musical in New York when all of a sudden, some lady begins to talk about how confusing Hamilton was. "I don't understand. Why are they all black? The presidents weren't black." This brought to my attention how blind certain people can be to color-conscious casting. Recently, Hamilton posted online that they were seeking "non-white" performers to fill the spots of characters in Hamilton. This notice sent up almost immediate conflict because of the term "non-white". Lawyerly responses stated, "The New York City Human Rights Law forbids discrimination in hiring based on race." In other words, there can be no limitations or restrictions in the hiring process based on what someone looks like physically.

Responding to the criticism, a statement was issued that read, in part, "The producers of Hamilton regret the confusion that's arisen from the recent posting of an open call casting notice for the show. It is essential to the storytelling of Hamilton that the principal roles- which were written for non-white characters (excepting King George)-be performed by non-white actors. This adheres to the accepted practice that certain characteristics in certain roles constitute a 'bona fide occupational qualification' that is legal. This also follows in the tradition of many shows that call for race, ethnicity or age specific casting, whether it's The Color Purple or Porgy & Bess or Matilda. The casting will be amended to also include language we neglected to add, that is, we welcome people of all ethnicities to audition for Hamilton." They want to inspire casting directors throughout the industry to think outside the box. This is intentional.

So, who's to say that Cinderella couldn't be black? In 2014, that became reality when Keke Palmer became the very first African American to portray the role of Cinderella in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical, Cinderella. When she was offered the role, Palmer tweeted, "Dreams do come true!! We are brothers & sisters y'all. All colors! Peace is the answer. Stop separating yourself through race." It does not matter what race, religion, or ethnicity you are. No physical characteristics or limitations should prevent you from achieving your dreams.

But despite all the arguments and conversations, there is change being made. We already know about Hamilton and Cinderella, but directors were definitely aware of color-conscious casting when casting Les Miserables a few years ago. Kyle Jean-Baptiste was cast as Jean Valjean and Nikki M. James was cast as Eponine, and both of them are non-caucasian.Other musicals are also embracing people of color, either by color-conscious casting or by featuring minorities predominantly. The Color Purple features an all black cast, and The King and I and Allegiance feature an almost all Asian cast. People are starting to be more aware that there should be more diversity in all arts and entertainment. During the Oscars, the trending hashtag was #OscarsSoWhite recognizing that there were no nominations for any person of color. Therefore, we are starting to take notice that there is a problem in our society with discrimination against race and ethnicity. So, until someone doesn't bat an eyelash at a black Cinderella, or black Founding Fathers rapping to their heart's content, let's celebrate the idea that color-conscious casting is finally coming into perspective! There are all white casts. There are all black casts. So what? Do we really need to be lashing out over an accidental wording in a casting notice? No. Let's celebrate diversity on Broadway and create a new hashtag for the Tony Awards on June 12! #ImmerseInTheDiverse