The Masterworks Theater Company, in residence at the 47th Street Theatre, begins its debut season with a racially diverse staging of the Tennessee Williams classic The Glass Menagerie. New to the New York scene, Masterworks seeks to create works that are “accessible, professional productions of theatrical and literary heavyweights that are widely produced and studied in educational settings at affordable ticket prices to help ignite the audience for live theater for the next generation.” The cast includes Richard Prioleau (HBO’s “A Normal Heart”) as Tom, Olivia Washington as Laura, Saundra Santiago (“The Sopranos,” “Miami Vice”) as Amanda and Doug Harris as Jim.
Opening night is soon! Grab your tix to see the AMAZING, first-ever multiculture performance of The Glass Menagerie! pic.twitter.com/fQ5ESykobL
— Masterworks Theater (@MasterworksThCo) May 2, 2015
Performances will run from May 8th-30th and Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.ticketcentral.com or by calling 212-279-4200.
As a part of their mission, Masterworks is committed to casting classic shows to reflect the young diverse audiences it hopes to attract. Christopher Scott, Artistic Director and director of The Glass Menagerie, said “We hope to offer a fresh look at this amazing masterwork through our diverse cast,”
This is not the first, and definitely not the last time colorblind casting has taken the main stage On and Off-Broadway. Take Keke Palmer’s recent run as the first African-American Cinderella, 2012’s diverse cast of A Streecar Named Desire, and Brandy Norwood’s debut as Roxy Hart in Chicago as just a few examples. It is clear that colorblind casting, and subsequently opportunities for people of color on Broadway, is a trend that is here to stay.
