I understand why they did it. They have such a diverse cast. I think it’s unfair to attack Dave Malloy when he tried so hard to create an amazing show with a cast full of amazing people of colour. It was a financial decision. Maybe not the smartest decision, but I don’t think they did it purposely to hurt Oak.
I saw Oak on the 27th of July, he was amazing. During a song, he brushed me, ( I was on stage) and I spent intermission freaking out. He was incredible and I know that many people in that room were there for him. I had these tickets for a few months, as as soon as Oak's run was announced, I rushed to buy tickets. The show was an amazing experience, but the mistake is that they are crediting Ingrid with Oaks success. Mandy should have been allowed to do his run, but after Oaks nine weeks, which had already been shortened from the begging by one week. The entire situation is messy and they need to clean it up. Does anyone know who is now going to play Pierre? I would think it would be the understudy but you never know.
Thank you for tackling this controversy! This show is such a beautiful representation of the artistry and diversity that theater often strives for (but that many shows often aren't daring enough to enact). This situation was strongly mishandled, but it's our responsibility as an audience to put our money into action and support great art by buying tickets and encouraging friends/family to see this show. I wish I had the chance to see Oak in this amazing role before he ends his run, but I hope the show finds a new Pierre that will allow it to continue far into the future. I sincerely hope that this tragic situation puts a spotlight on the issues of race and the skew of Tony voters, allowing the Broadway community to learn and grow into a place that supports actors of color and rewards ingenious shows like Comet.
Omg I know this is an old comment but do you know the cast of the great comet when you went to see it because I rlly wanna know who played Sonya and helene etc in the newer cast and I can’t find out anywhere lmao
I'm personally of the opinion that replacing Oak was a reasonable choice given the financial situation, even though I love Oak. But it makes me sick to see how people are promoting that same opinion in such a disrespectful way. I'm not mad at Oak or Dave Malloy or Mandy Patinkin. I'm a little annoyed at the people who got upset about the decision, but I can kind of see where they're coming from. Maybe I'd understand it better if I weren't white. It's painful to see all this happen to a show I love so much.
Same here. I think people over reacted to this considering that Natasha (Who is arguably more important to the story) has always been played by a woman of colour.
I wish this whole thing could be resolved and Oak would come back even though he said he didn't :( it was right of Mandy to step down because of the situation and they really should've handled this better.
I saw the show when Josh Groban was still playing Pierre. I absolutely loved him and Deneé. I wish I could have seen Oak as well. I really hope they all go on to do more amazing shows. It was a truly incredible show and I wish it could be brought back. The controversy should have been handled sooo differently but I think the cast did their best to help. Twitter refused to listen or hear the full story before judging the entire show.
I hope when this show gets revived, Okieriete comes back as Pierre cause he was so good in that role the producers did him dirty and I’m MAD because he’s SO talented and more people deserved to see his interpretation and hear his beautiful baritone
it has been almost 4 years and i stilll yearn to live in a world where great comet has gotten the tonys they deserved and oak could have finished his whole run.
i saw oak on the 4th of August and he was amazing, It was just incredible. I am happy that i could see the great comet and it was amazing to see oak as pierre
Oak is a wonderful Pierre. Although maybe he may be a little young for the role. I think this is a reasonable decision. (though it makes me sad) I think when you don't have Josh Groban anymore it is kind of inevitable that you will lack ticket sales.
No, I wouldn't say he's too young. Oak was about 29 when he took on the role, and Pierre was in around his mid 20-early 30s during the section of the story this show is based on, so if anything Oak is the one actor close enough to play Pierre's actual age. Pierre's only referred to as "old" by Moscow society because he was already going through mid-life crisis at an early age and he's sported a bit of a ragged appearance(and untrimmed beard, I'd argue) which gives the impression that he's "old"(I would know, because I have the tendency to let my facial hair grow out all messy and I seemed older to others, and younger when I finally shave, and I'm currently 20 going 21). Plus, there's the belief that most men during the time period of the book don't usually live beyond 40-50 years. It's just like how in the original novel of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Claude Frollo may seem old to the people of Paris, due to his door, brooding face structure and balding head, but he's actually only 36 years old by the time he meets Esmeralda, and he was about 20 when he took in the child Quasimodo 16 years before the events of the story. As for the Groban case, I sadly agree but I think there's another factor about this show's casting choices that has to be addressed. This show was going in with EVERYBODY(All original unknown title cast and ensemble members, Director, and Composer/Lyricist/Playwright/Orchestrator) making their Broadway debut. Not a single actor or actress stood out those who haven't heard of the show before, and there wasn't any cast replacements with actors and actresses who were more recognizable and established in the broadway community(Hamilton didn't have to worry so much about this, because Lin Manuel Miranda already established his name on Broadway with In the Heights, so as long as he starred in this title role, one of his Heights alumni plays George Washington, and the actor playing King George is played by a popular established white actor(Johnathan Groff, Andrew Rannels, Brian Darcy James, etc.), it should be running smoothly, no matter how unrecognizable the next Aron Burr, Washington, or Eliza are. This show on the other hand had no established creators or Broadways stars to back it up, and was relying solely on the outer-star popularity from both Groban and Ingrid Michelson(who stepped into the role of Sonya in place of Britton Ashford) when It could've benefited more from reaching out to big names in the broadway communities to help alternate for this plethora of new performers. In my mind, it would've worked if say Lilli Cooper stepped into Helene(as she did in the America Repertory Theatre production) for Amber Gray on alternate nights, or perhaps Alex Brightman or even Alex Gemignani step into Pierre, or Carolee Camello step into Marya D., etc. And Hell, rather than constantly fretting over Pierre's stardom, I wonder if they've considered calling Phillipa Soo and asking if she's willing to step back into Natasha for selected nights(with Dene Benton's consent, of course). After all, Amelie the musical closed 4 months before Great Comet did, and it wouldn't be till November that same year when she would perform in The Parisian Woman. Just thought I'd bring that up. It's a downer to accept this, but If Lucas Steele, Britton Ashford, Grace McLean, Paul Pinto, and ever other other star cast had made their own Broadway debuts early on, then there shouldn't have been so much desperation for ad revenue concerning over who ticket buyers are seeing on, or rather around, stage. Because people with no knowledge of the show(not even the 2013 original cast recording) would know these performers already and know what they could do(That's how Dear Evan Hansen was able to get by with not just Ben Platt's popularity on stage AND screen with Pitch Perfect, but also with Laura Dreyfuss's own recognition from understudying in Once and performing on Glee, Newsies Ensemble Mike Faist in a staring role, etc.). But sadly, While these actors and actresses were able to get decent followings and fans of their own, it wasn't enough fans to continue the money flow needed for the expensive reconfiguring of the Imperial Theatre(On that note, maybe they should've booked for a smaller venue like The Stephen Sondheim Theatre(just to give that theatre a show worthy of it's name), or maybe the Circle in The Square Theatre to keep the intimate space around the performers). And to top it all off, nearly every actor is also a musician, so anyone who's willing to star in that show has to be able to play an instrument. In the case of Pierre, who plays piano, accordion, AND drums(during the opera segment of The Opera), Josh Groban was already good with piano but he had to make time to really work on his accordion skills before the show's previews, but Oak came in with inadequate musicianship skills and wasn't learning his parts fast enough, so they had to strip down his parts and/or give them to other performers. For now, it seems director Rachel Chavkin is learning from this debut/musician mistake by premiering Hadestown with a slew of well known names(who don't need to be musicians) like Patrick Page, Andre De Shields, as well as rising popularity star Eva Noblezada. Yes Page and Amber Gray, and later Reeve Carney(who only needs to play Guitar and sing as Orpheus), have been with this show since it's early development, but I think it's no coincidence that those who never heard a single tune by Anais Mitchell in their life would flock over to see Spiderman and The Green Goblin(as well as Frollo) duke out on stage with Kim and The Wiz, just as much as they want to see Helene again.
Maybe it's because I've never seen your videos before and you normally do this, but I'm just wondering why no one is commenting on your hilarious interpretations of the posts you read. I laughed so hard as soon as you started reading the first comment, then by the second one, I was dead. Love it. Also... this quarantine has introduced me to the world of bootleg Broadway shows. Every time I watch one, I research the history of the show, and many of them end with sad stories of people only getting to do short runs or shows closing early because of lack of finances. All these years I've never known that Broadway had such a bad track record with amazing shows. It really sucks for all of the people who put their heart and soul into making these shows the pieces of art they are.
Oh sure, get mad at Dave Malloy when his main female roles were: African American, Indian, filipino and white . He doesn’t judge people by color like some other well known broadway shows who deny certain races *Cough* *Cough* I don’t think he handled this very well, and I do feel bad for oak, it’s unfortunate. but it’s not like this has never happened to other actors. but I think Dave was trying to do the right thing even if it didn’t work that way.
I understand why they did it. They have such a diverse cast. I think it’s unfair to attack Dave Malloy when he tried so hard to create an amazing show with a cast full of amazing people of colour. It was a financial decision. Maybe not the smartest decision, but I don’t think they did it purposely to hurt Oak.
I saw Oak on the 27th of July, he was amazing. During a song, he brushed me, ( I was on stage) and I spent intermission freaking out. He was incredible and I know that many people in that room were there for him. I had these tickets for a few months, as as soon as Oak's run was announced, I rushed to buy tickets. The show was an amazing experience, but the mistake is that they are crediting Ingrid with Oaks success. Mandy should have been allowed to do his run, but after Oaks nine weeks, which had already been shortened from the begging by one week. The entire situation is messy and they need to clean it up. Does anyone know who is now going to play Pierre? I would think it would be the understudy but you never know.
Thank you for tackling this controversy! This show is such a beautiful representation of the artistry and diversity that theater often strives for (but that many shows often aren't daring enough to enact). This situation was strongly mishandled, but it's our responsibility as an audience to put our money into action and support great art by buying tickets and encouraging friends/family to see this show.
I wish I had the chance to see Oak in this amazing role before he ends his run, but I hope the show finds a new Pierre that will allow it to continue far into the future. I sincerely hope that this tragic situation puts a spotlight on the issues of race and the skew of Tony voters, allowing the Broadway community to learn and grow into a place that supports actors of color and rewards ingenious shows like Comet.
I saw this show a few weeks ago with Oak and it was amazing! Too bad all of this happened :(
Omg I know this is an old comment but do you know the cast of the great comet when you went to see it because I rlly wanna know who played Sonya and helene etc in the newer cast and I can’t find out anywhere lmao
I'm personally of the opinion that replacing Oak was a reasonable choice given the financial situation, even though I love Oak. But it makes me sick to see how people are promoting that same opinion in such a disrespectful way. I'm not mad at Oak or Dave Malloy or Mandy Patinkin. I'm a little annoyed at the people who got upset about the decision, but I can kind of see where they're coming from. Maybe I'd understand it better if I weren't white.
It's painful to see all this happen to a show I love so much.
Same here. I think people over reacted to this considering that Natasha (Who is arguably more important to the story) has always been played by a woman of colour.
Same. I really do wish the show comes back so I can see it.
I wish this whole thing could be resolved and Oak would come back even though he said he didn't :( it was right of Mandy to step down because of the situation and they really should've handled this better.
I saw the show when Josh Groban was still playing Pierre. I absolutely loved him and Deneé. I wish I could have seen Oak as well. I really hope they all go on to do more amazing shows. It was a truly incredible show and I wish it could be brought back. The controversy should have been handled sooo differently but I think the cast did their best to help. Twitter refused to listen or hear the full story before judging the entire show.
I hope when this show gets revived, Okieriete comes back as Pierre cause he was so good in that role
the producers did him dirty and I’m MAD because he’s SO talented and more people deserved to see his interpretation and hear his beautiful baritone
Wonderful commentary on this issue, I really hope the show stays open!
Welp
it has been almost 4 years and i stilll yearn to live in a world where great comet has gotten the tonys they deserved and oak could have finished his whole run.
This is what I've been waiting for.
Fantastic video, I strongly agree with you about this issue. But I do really hope great comet stays open :/
i saw oak on the 4th of August and he was amazing, It was just incredible. I am happy that i could see the great comet and it was amazing to see oak as pierre
Oak is a wonderful Pierre. Although maybe he may be a little young for the role. I think this is a reasonable decision. (though it makes me sad) I think when you don't have Josh Groban anymore it is kind of inevitable that you will lack ticket sales.
No, I wouldn't say he's too young. Oak was about 29 when he took on the role, and Pierre was in around his mid 20-early 30s during the section of the story this show is based on, so if anything Oak is the one actor close enough to play Pierre's actual age. Pierre's only referred to as "old" by Moscow society because he was already going through mid-life crisis at an early age and he's sported a bit of a ragged appearance(and untrimmed beard, I'd argue) which gives the impression that he's "old"(I would know, because I have the tendency to let my facial hair grow out all messy and I seemed older to others, and younger when I finally shave, and I'm currently 20 going 21).
Plus, there's the belief that most men during the time period of the book don't usually live beyond 40-50 years.
It's just like how in the original novel of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Claude Frollo may seem old to the people of Paris, due to his door, brooding face structure and balding head, but he's actually only 36 years old by the time he meets Esmeralda, and he was about 20 when he took in the child Quasimodo 16 years before the events of the story.
As for the Groban case, I sadly agree but I think there's another factor about this show's casting choices that has to be addressed.
This show was going in with EVERYBODY(All original unknown title cast and ensemble members, Director, and Composer/Lyricist/Playwright/Orchestrator) making their Broadway debut. Not a single actor or actress stood out those who haven't heard of the show before, and there wasn't any cast replacements with actors and actresses who were more recognizable and established in the broadway community(Hamilton didn't have to worry so much about this, because Lin Manuel Miranda already established his name on Broadway with In the Heights, so as long as he starred in this title role, one of his Heights alumni plays George Washington, and the actor playing King George is played by a popular established white actor(Johnathan Groff, Andrew Rannels, Brian Darcy James, etc.), it should be running smoothly, no matter how unrecognizable the next Aron Burr, Washington, or Eliza are. This show on the other hand had no established creators or Broadways stars to back it up, and was relying solely on the outer-star popularity from both Groban and Ingrid Michelson(who stepped into the role of Sonya in place of Britton Ashford) when It could've benefited more from reaching out to big names in the broadway communities to help alternate for this plethora of new performers. In my mind, it would've worked if say Lilli Cooper stepped into Helene(as she did in the America Repertory Theatre production) for Amber Gray on alternate nights, or perhaps Alex Brightman or even Alex Gemignani step into Pierre, or Carolee Camello step into Marya D., etc.
And Hell, rather than constantly fretting over Pierre's stardom, I wonder if they've considered calling Phillipa Soo and asking if she's willing to step back into Natasha for selected nights(with Dene Benton's consent, of course). After all, Amelie the musical closed 4 months before Great Comet did, and it wouldn't be till November that same year when she would perform in The Parisian Woman.
Just thought I'd bring that up.
It's a downer to accept this, but If Lucas Steele, Britton Ashford, Grace McLean, Paul Pinto, and ever other other star cast had made their own Broadway debuts early on, then there shouldn't have been so much desperation for ad revenue concerning over who ticket buyers are seeing on, or rather around, stage. Because people with no knowledge of the show(not even the 2013 original cast recording) would know these performers already and know what they could do(That's how Dear Evan Hansen was able to get by with not just Ben Platt's popularity on stage AND screen with Pitch Perfect, but also with Laura Dreyfuss's own recognition from understudying in Once and performing on Glee, Newsies Ensemble Mike Faist in a staring role, etc.). But sadly, While these actors and actresses were able to get decent followings and fans of their own, it wasn't enough fans to continue the money flow needed for the expensive reconfiguring of the Imperial Theatre(On that note, maybe they should've booked for a smaller venue like The Stephen Sondheim Theatre(just to give that theatre a show worthy of it's name), or maybe the Circle in The Square Theatre to keep the intimate space around the performers).
And to top it all off, nearly every actor is also a musician, so anyone who's willing to star in that show has to be able to play an instrument. In the case of Pierre, who plays piano, accordion, AND drums(during the opera segment of The Opera), Josh Groban was already good with piano but he had to make time to really work on his accordion skills before the show's previews, but Oak came in with inadequate musicianship skills and wasn't learning his parts fast enough, so they had to strip down his parts and/or give them to other performers.
For now, it seems director Rachel Chavkin is learning from this debut/musician mistake by premiering Hadestown with a slew of well known names(who don't need to be musicians) like Patrick Page, Andre De Shields, as well as rising popularity star Eva Noblezada. Yes Page and Amber Gray, and later Reeve Carney(who only needs to play Guitar and sing as Orpheus), have been with this show since it's early development, but I think it's no coincidence that those who never heard a single tune by Anais Mitchell in their life would flock over to see Spiderman and The Green Goblin(as well as Frollo) duke out on stage with Kim and The Wiz, just as much as they want to see Helene again.
Maybe it's because I've never seen your videos before and you normally do this, but I'm just wondering why no one is commenting on your hilarious interpretations of the posts you read. I laughed so hard as soon as you started reading the first comment, then by the second one, I was dead. Love it.
Also... this quarantine has introduced me to the world of bootleg Broadway shows. Every time I watch one, I research the history of the show, and many of them end with sad stories of people only getting to do short runs or shows closing early because of lack of finances. All these years I've never known that Broadway had such a bad track record with amazing shows. It really sucks for all of the people who put their heart and soul into making these shows the pieces of art they are.
Yeah it is late but Oak did not incite anything but did not quell anything and come out and say anything to keep the show open.
As a massive Oak fan (Station 19 and Hamilton bag here) if I had a Time Machine I’d gladly use it to go back and see Oak in that show😢
I wish I could here Oak preform as Pierre.
Thank you!
I saw this show obc it was so gooooood
Omg you are in spring awakening? I love that show!
Also it is pronounced Den-ay. Not den-ee
Rhymes with Renee
Oh sure, get mad at Dave Malloy when his main female roles were: African American, Indian, filipino and white . He doesn’t judge people by color like some other well known broadway shows who deny certain races *Cough* *Cough*
I don’t think he handled this very well, and I do feel bad for oak, it’s unfortunate. but it’s not like this has never happened to other actors.
but I think Dave was trying to do the right thing even if it didn’t work that way.