Broadway is all about dramatics: the drama that gets applauded for and the drama that the average person might not know about. A controversy that has been stirring around the Broadway community is the recent uprise in celebrity residency roles in shows. This has caused effects in actor employment and the overall appearance of Broadway itself.
Senior Caden Miller stated, “I like the idea because it makes people want to go see the shows, but they need to get better at casting people for specific roles and not just because they’re famous.”
Celebrity casting has been around since the 2000s, but a spike in this phenomenon came in the years following the pandemic. After a hiatus of no live shows with an audience, celebrities brought in ticket sales and a wave of old and new fans back to Broadway.
However, there are a few issues when it comes to choosing well-known people over unknown actors who are trying to get their foot in the door.
Senior Addison Davis shared, “Personally, I feel like I would rather have someone who isn’t as well known play a role so they can gain fame and recognition. I think a harmful effect of this is that it can steal the spotlight from people who have worked really hard to get where they are since theatre is a really competitive field to be in.”
From TikTokers to rap stars, there are basically no limits to who gets time in the spotlight.
Some stars, like Charli D’Amelio and Dylan Mulvaney, have had experience in theatre or musical performance, and are finally getting to shine in something they are passionate about and trained in. Even though they appear online as social media stars, D’Amelio has been dancing for her entire life and has stepped back from social media to further her performing career.
Mulvaney, currently acting as Anne Boleyn in “SIX: The Musical,” blew up on TikTok during 2022 for documenting her gender-affirming transition and shared how she always had theatrical dreams but could never act on them due to being unsure of her true identity. Some people were initially confused at her seemingly sudden introduction to the musical theatre world, but few know that she studied musical theatre at the University of Cincinnati and has a wide range of experience that makes her a perfect candidate for the role.
“I’m pretty sure Charlie D’Amelio is in ‘And Juliet.’ Considering she’s not in a main role, I don’t really mind. She seems like she’s just doing it for the love of it,” Davis commented.
However, not all of the performers are getting good reviews. Child Disney star Peyton List has landed a role in “Heathers” as Heather Chandler and has been facing a lot of criticism pertaining to her inability to sing the necessary and iconic songs.
Miller adds, “I don’t think Peyton List is currently performing very well. They did it for her name and she struggles with just singing the parts they gave her, and I don’t think that’s right.”
Although all of the stage-experienced celebrities get a shot at the stage, this opportunity is also open to the stars with little to no background in the Broadway world. Reality TV star Whitney Leavitt, actor Tom Felton and singer Megan Thee Stallion all have gotten a shot to show their skills on Broadway. Actors and actress cameos like these bring in new viewers and help productions gain attention and ticket sales.
“I would love to see Sabrina Carpenter take on Broadway. A comedic side character would be good for her,” Davis remarked.
When people see that their favorite celebrity is going to be in a show, it can make the experience seem more valuable and draw in a new crowd. However, it’s important to make sure these people don’t seem out of place, as this can cause more negative discourse than excited compliments. As shows come and go on Broadway, some celebrity pop-ins can be expected, but it is undeniable that most fans hope to see some fresh faces and new talent in the coming years.
