White actor leaves Broadway show after learning he was replacing a black actor
Following backlash after replacing a black actor with a white one, the producer behind Broadway’s musical “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” has apologized.
“As part of our sincere efforts to keep ‘Comet’ running for the benefit of its cast, creative team, crew, investors and everyone else involved, we arranged for Mandy Patinkin to play Pierre,” co-producer Howard Kagan said on Twitter.
“We regret our mistake deeply, and wish to express our apologies to everyone who felt hurt and betrayed by these actions,” he said.
The situation began with a play that was waning in the sales department. The show did well with Josh Groban but has been struggling since he left and was replaced by black actor Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan.
Our deepest apologies. pic.twitter.com/Mks7XLGxbq
— The Great Comet (@GreatCometBway) July 28, 2017
Onaodowan was to be replaced by box office star Mandy Patinkin, until of course, Patinkin heard about the situation. He has since withdrawn from the role, saying he “would never accept a role knowing it would harm another actor.”
“I hear what members of the community have said and I agree with them. I am a huge fan of Oak and I will, therefore, not be appearing in the show,” the “Homeland” star tweeted.
While activists are happy with the outcome some others may not be. If the show closes its curtains for good, actors and other crew will be out of a job and many of these employees are people of color.
Some would argue that the show has a responsibility to the rest of their cast and investors which would mean applying casting changes that would benefit sales.
— The Great Comet (@GreatCometBway) July 28, 2017
