The casting of Andrew Barth Feldman to replace Darren Criss in Broadway's Maybe Happy Ending has ignited backlash, particularly within the Asian American theater community. Criss, the first Asian actor to win a Tony for Lead Actor in a Musical, originated the role of Oliver. The show was created by Korean and American writers, who aimed for Asian representation. Critics claim Feldman's casting sends a negative message, while supporters argue that Oliver's character is not tied to a specific ethnicity. The creators acknowledged the casting's impact while emphasizing their broader vision for the show.
Critics argue the decision to replace a barrier-breaking Asian actor with a white successor in a production of Asian authorship sends a disheartening message and reflects a broader pattern of exclusion.
Park and Aronson acknowledged the significance of Asian representation in their casting decision and the impact it has had, stating that it has reopened old wounds for many.
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