First of all, Grimes has become a respected theatre figure is cities like Chicago for choreographing a highly successful revised, re-thought production of 42nd Street at Drury Lane Oakbrook. I believe he has similar accomplishments in other regional theaters. Too many people on this board sneer and dismiss regional theatre in parts of the country outside of New York.
I doubt if there is anything the production can do to lure a black audience. However, having 3 very white performers above the title and leaving the black guy out in the cold looks really bad to a white, liberal, wealthy theatre-going constituency. I'm just a middle-aged, moderate, somewhat prosperous white guy, and it sure looks bad to me. Make it 4 performers over the title and keep more people happy. What's the harm? Again just IMO. Like everybody else, I don't know anything for sure. |
