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.

As mourners gathered in Playhouse Square, the grief among those who either knew or were inspired by Jean-Baptiste was palpable.  An image of the talented young man with the soulful eyes and the beautiful tenor voice gazed out from the marquee.  And the honor befitting a legend was bestowed as the Imperial Theatre dimmed its lights and Kyle Jean-Baptiste was given a final and well deserved ovation.

I thank everyone who supported me and still does. I will never forget this experience. Onwards and upwards ;). Nothing but love @LesMizBway

— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle) August 25, 2015

The Imperial, Richard Rodgers Theatre and Cleveland’s Playhouse Square dimmed their lights at 10:15 PM following the Tuesday evening performance.  Generally when this homage is given to a legend, theatres dim their lights around 8:00p.m, as actors are preparing to go on stage. For Jean-Baptiste, The Broadway League decided to dim the lights at 10:15 PM so that members of the Les Miz cast and crew, could also participate in the tribute.

It happened. #Dim4Kyle We love you @BaptisteKyle #YouAreBroadwayBlack @LesMizBway pic.twitter.com/4JEfPMgJrz

— BROADWAY BLACK! (@BroadwayBlack) September 2, 2015

And while the tribute is complete, Kyle Jean-Baptiste’s presence will be missed, but never forgotten. To ensure this was the case, college classmates of Jean-Baptiste from Baldwin Wallace University joined with the Mackintosh Foundation, a London-based philanthropic group created by legendary producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh to launch a scholarship in his name. The scholarship fund, which was partially funded through Go Fund Me, raised more than $35,000 in one day.  Astoundingly, in part to an “extraordinary” gift from the Mackintosh Foundation, The Kyle Jean-Baptiste ’15 Music Theatre Scholarship has grown to nearly $135,000.

The outpouring of love and support further evidences the tremendous impact Jean-Baptiste had during his short lifetime. Not only was this young man able to inspire using his artistic talents, but even in his untimely death, others will continue to receive an education in the arts.  We extend our heartfelt thank you to the family of Kyle Jean-Baptiste for sharing him with the world. Because of him we know that it is in fact possible for dreams to come true.

@BaptisteKyle helping us bridge our way to #Friday #OneDayMore @lesmisofficial #LesMiz pic.twitter.com/f1hCb5pZiu

— . (@HuffPostVideo) August 13, 2015

To donate to the scholarship fund in honor of Kyle Jean-Baptiste click here.

The post Kyle Jean-Baptiste: A Final Ovation for a Broadway Legend appeared first on Broadway Black.