David Alan Grier & Stanley Wayne Mathis – The Producers
When I went to see Porgy & Bess with the brilliant Audra McDonald and Norm Lewis, I was less than enthused that Grier, that guy from TV’s “In Living Color,” would be making an appearance.  Clearly, I was ill-informed.  The Yale School of Drama alum approached the role with a wisdom, a professionalism and a personality that made me reevaluate every misconception I’d had.  His charisma has since had me pining to see him recreate the  role of Max Bialystock originated by Nathan Lane with Mathis as his sidekick, Leopold Bloom. With Grier’s comedic cunning, just a twinge of Mathis’ Schroeder-like wit, and some obvious tweaks to the cultural references, this duo could possibly pull off “the biggest flop in history.”

Nicholas Christopher & Nikki Renee Daniels – The Music Man
I’ve seen Christopher in a few roles, mostly contemporary pieces, and to say he is charming would be an understatement.  But many aren’t familiar with his straight-toned, classical music style and I’d love to see him bring that to the stage as the smooth-talking, fast-walking Professor Harold Hill with Daniels as the sensible and sensitive Marian…the Librarian.  Daniels’ performance in Porgy and Bess proved that she has the vocal timbre to handle the traditional Meredith Wilson score and, quite honestly, I’d just love to see their chemistry on stage.

Audra McDonald – St. Louis Woman
This show is already traditionally done with an all-Black cast. Most recently, it was seen as part of the City Center Encores Series with Vanessa Williams starring as the belle of St. Louis, Della Green.  However, I dream that Ms. McDonald recreates the role of Lila, the scorned, jilted lover who murders her cheating man, because that’s pretty much what we expect from an Audra performance and what she does best – dark with just a twinge of crazy.

In my excitement to devise my Broadway wish list, I came across only one problem: my performer list was too short.  I found myself coming up with the same male lead or the same female protagonist, reminding me that though the pool is expanding, we have yet to reach the level of equality that we strive for in this field.  We are still outnumbered and often discounted, but art is universal and diversity is on the rise.  We’re heading towards an era where inclusive casting won’t even need to be articulated.  Go ahead and take it in: non-traditional is the new normal.

The post BB Casting Agency: The Music Man & More appeared first on Broadway Black.

I also love the ability to challenge perspective. I love the idea of a sophisticated, fun, attractive, and driven female lead.

I love the idea of that woman being black.

Delta Nu’s favorite lawyer may be known for her beach blonde hair and pink skirt suits, but I’m sure Elle Woods would agree that blonde is more than a color– it’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle is not constrained or reserved for a woman of any specific race. With that being said, I believe rising star, Alysha Deslorieux (Hamilton, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) should be cast as Elle Woods in a revival of Legally Blonde.

Legally Blonde will forever hold a special place in my heart because it’s the first professional show I experienced. I sat in the balcony of the theatre, with a couple of tears in my eyes, moved by the energy and enthusiasm behind Laurence O’Keefe’s music. I’ve always been in love with the story of a girl rising to the occasion and discovering that she’s “So Much Better” than what her peers thought of her, and even how she valued herself. Seeing the show on stage further fed into one of my life mantras: nonconformity still reigns.

Elle’s character represents transformation. She has everything going for her but the attention and love of the man she followed to Harvard Law. Everything that glitters isn’t gold and that rings true even with Malibu’s finest. When she’s directed within, we are introduced to a woman that understands her worth and teaches us the importance of forming a “Chip on Your Shoulder” to achieve the goals set for ourselves, while unapologetically refusing to change who we are. A woman that embodies strength, sincerity, and sex appeal must shatter expectations… by being portrayed by a Black woman. 

Alysha Deslorieux made her Broadway debut in 2012 in Sister Act. However, I was first introduced to her through her work at University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. Deslorieux has a commandng presence even in her supporting roles. I can’t wait to see her conquer a leading lady. You can hear Deslorieux on the Beautiful and Hamilton cast albums. She’s currently understudying all three Schyuler sisters in Hamilton.  

Light, yet soulful, Deslorieux will send the heart of audiences soaring as they connect with the first Black Elle Woods. 

I’ll be in the audience cheering in all pink! 

The post BB Casting Agency: Legally Color Blind? A New Elle Woods appeared first on Broadway Black.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy6wo2wpT2k

In my version of West Side Story, instead of Puerto Rican and white gangs, we’d replace those with African American and Latino gangs. With that switch, the perfect actress for the perfect role – the hopeless romantic female lead, “Maria,” – can only be played by Tony Award winner Patina Miller. While the “Maria” character is “supposed” to be a teenager, most of the actresses who’ve played the role on Broadway and on screen have been in their twenties. Carol Lawrence who originated the role in the 1957 Broadway production was 22 and Natalie Wood was 23 when she played the role on-screen. Miller, at 30, is older but she looks young enough to pull it off.

Miller made her West End and Broadway debuts playing “Deloris Van Cartier” in Sister Act and won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her lead role in Pippin. Vocally, she will excel with the Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim tunes, although the role calls for a soprano. But, it’s my dream, so we’ll have the musical arranger work out those details. She has boundless energy and she’s multitalented enough to pull off any role. Even one that was written for a young Puerto Rican girl.

Patina Miller and the cast of the 2013 Broadway revival of the musical PIPPIN, perform the number “Simple Joys” live on the Late Show with David Letterman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI7SZnwRCJI

Seriously, is there someone out there who can make this happen?

The post BB Casting Agency: Patina Miller as West Side Story’s Maria appeared first on Broadway Black.