"In some ways, yeah, 'it doesn't matter' if Oliver 'is Asian or not.' If he's not, though, he will clash with the 'Korea-verse.' In this world, written Korean language takes up visual space; a Korean man listens to American jazz crooners because they transport him. If you 'recast' Hwaboon (Oliver's trusty houseplant pet) with a cactus and rename him 'Dakota,' it would also disrupt this meticulous Korean world."
"Maybe Happy Ending's run during the 2024-25 Broadway season was the ultimate feel-good underdog story, but now the show is facing controversy for casting a white actor, Andrew Barth Feldman, to replace Darren Criss in the show's lead role as the robot Oliver. The Tony-winning production announced on July 24 that Feldman (No Hard Feelings) would be joining the show for nine weeks alongside his girlfriend and current star Helen J. Shen, beginning on September 2."
Maybe Happy Ending enjoyed acclaim during the 2024-25 Broadway season but triggered controversy after casting Andrew Barth Feldman, a white actor, to replace Darren Criss as the robot Oliver. The production announced Feldman would join for nine weeks beginning September 2, performing alongside Helen J. Shen. The Seoul-set musical was celebrated for its majority-Asian cast, and Darren Criss had recently become the first Asian American to win Best Lead Actor in a Musical at the Tonys. Fans and Asian American theater professionals voiced disappointment, arguing a non-Asian Oliver would disrupt the show's Korean cultural world. Public responses included critiques from actors and community members.
Read at Vulture
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