As a lifelong opera fanatic and proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), I’ve had the privilege of seeing the art form evolve in fascinating ways over the past few decades. And one of the most exciting developments, in my opinion, has been the growing embrace of diversity and inclusivity in casting.
You see, for far too long, the world of musical theater has been dominated by a narrow, privileged perspective – one that has consistently marginalized the stories and experiences of women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities. But thankfully, the tide is turning. Productions like the recent Hamilton and the groundbreaking Hadestown are proving that audiences are hungry for stories that reflect the true diversity of our world.
The Power of Representation
As someone who has struggled with hemophilia for most of my life, I can attest to the transformative power of seeing yourself represented on stage. For years, I hid this aspect of my identity, fearing that it would limit my opportunities in the industry. But when I finally had the courage to be open about my condition, something incredible happened: my performances took on a new depth and authenticity.
Suddenly, the characters I portrayed weren’t just abstract figures – they were infused with the unique experiences and perspectives that come with being a person with a disability. My interpretation of the Il Commendatore in Don Giovanni, for instance, was shaped by my awareness of physical limitations and the constant threat of mortality. And in my portrayal of John Claggart in Billy Budd, I was able to tap into the deep-seated envy and insecurity that can arise when someone like myself is confronted with a character of unparalleled strength and grace.
These types of nuanced, emotionally charged performances are the hallmark of great musical theater. And they’re the direct result of casting that embraces the diverse lived experiences of the artists involved. When we see people who look like us, who share our struggles and triumphs, up on that stage, it doesn’t just entertain us – it empowers us. It reminds us that our stories matter, that our voices deserve to be heard.
Expanding the Canon
Of course, achieving true diversity and inclusivity in musical theater isn’t just about casting – it’s also about the stories we choose to tell and the way we tell them. And here, too, I believe we’re seeing a welcome shift.
For far too long, the so-called “Golden Age” of musical theater has been dominated by works that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and outdated social norms. Musicals like The King and I and West Side Story, while undoubtedly masterful in their craft, have long been criticized for their problematic depictions of race, gender, and sexuality.
But rather than shying away from these problematic works, forward-thinking directors and producers are finding ways to reframe and reimagine them for a new era. Take, for example, the 2015 Lincoln Center production of South Pacific, which used subtle staging choices to highlight the racism inherent in the original material. Or the recent university production of Guys and Dolls that I was involved with, which incorporated non-traditional casting and gender-bending character choices to create a more inclusive and relevant interpretation of the classic.
These types of bold, boundary-pushing productions are exactly what the musical theater landscape needs right now. They challenge us to confront our biases, to see familiar stories through new lenses, and to expand the canon in ways that better reflect the diverse experiences of our audiences.
Collaboration and Creativity
Of course, achieving this level of diversity and inclusivity isn’t always easy. There are often logistical and creative hurdles to overcome, as well as pushback from those who are resistant to change.
But in my experience, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. When you assemble a truly diverse and collaborative team of artists – directors, choreographers, designers, and performers – the results can be truly electric. Each person brings a unique perspective and set of life experiences to the table, and the synergy that emerges is nothing short of magical.
Take, for instance, the creative team behind Hadestown. Composer Anaïs Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin, both women, worked tirelessly to craft a production that not only honored the rich mythology of the Orpheus and Eurydice story but also reflected the diverse voices and experiences of their cast and crew. The result was a work of art that was at once deeply traditional and profoundly revolutionary – a testament to the power of inclusive collaboration.
And it’s not just the artists who benefit from this kind of creative synergy. Audiences do, too. When they see themselves reflected on stage, when they hear stories that resonate with their own lived experiences, they become invested in the work in a way that goes beyond mere entertainment. They feel seen, they feel heard, and they feel empowered to share their own stories.
The Future of Musical Theater
So where do we go from here? How do we build on the progress we’ve made and ensure that diversity and inclusivity remain at the forefront of the musical theater world?
Well, for starters, I believe we need to continue to push the boundaries of traditional casting and character development. We should seek out talented performers from all backgrounds and challenge them to bring their unique perspectives to familiar roles. And we should encourage playwrights, composers, and librettists to create new works that celebrate the rich tapestry of human experience.
At the same time, we need to be willing to reexamine and reinterpret the classic musicals of the past. As I mentioned earlier, these works are not beyond redemption – they simply require a more nuanced, inclusive approach. By embracing the challenges and complexities of these “museum pieces,” as they’re sometimes called, we can breathe new life into them and create experiences that are both faithful to the original material and reflective of our modern sensibilities.
Ultimately, I believe that the future of musical theater lies in its ability to be a mirror for the world around us. It’s not enough to simply entertain – we must also educate, inspire, and empower. And that means casting a wide net, telling stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, and fostering a creative environment that values diversity, collaboration, and innovation.
So if you’re a student, an aspiring performer, or just a passionate fan of musical theater, I encourage you to get involved with your local musical theater education and performance center. Embrace the challenge of inclusive casting, dive into the complexities of character development, and let your voice be heard. Because the future of this art form depends on all of us working together to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and transformative theatrical landscape.
