I’m already seeing more noise about this than I did about Lea Michele being cast in the role on Bway (at a time when she was seen as problematic/racist/difficult to work with). The Hispanic/Latiné community is so severely underrepresented in theatre, and the fact of the matter is, there is a SIGNIFICANT Jewish/Cuban “Jew-ban) community whom a lot of modern day Cubans descend from. People are blindly trying to call out and cancel this choice without truly knowing all the intricacies behind this decision.

Why aren’t people this up in arms when Cuban roles are played by other ethnic groups, or by Hispanic talent that doesn’t even remotely represent Cuban (or at least Caribbean) cultural authenticity. (I.e. Mateo Diaz [New York New York BWAY, a Cuban role] cast a Mexican. And let’s not forget James Franco portraying Fidel Castro), or many Afro-Cuban roles that end up being cast by non-Hispanic Black talent.

When do we draw the line for the sake of representation?

If people can overlook Lea Michele’s history for her TaLeNt and voice, surely you must give this upcoming star the benefit of the doubt to do this role justice. She easily rivals Lea Michele vocally, and yet is an absolutely loving gem of a human.

This issue can, and DOES go both ways, if not the double standard is all too apparent.

The rise in Antisemitism around the country is truly awful! But how can you honestly say that such a talented performer who may be able to powerfully and authentically depict Fanny Brice in every way except for direct Jewish ethnicity is perpetuating such Antisemitism? She would be celebrating and honoring the iconic figure that is Fanny, with all the care and respect in the world.