Critics have been raving about Broadway musical Hamilton for quite some time, but now the cast and crew are in for some bad press.
Reports say that a controversial casting call was posted for the show, and it sought out non-White people only. From PEOPLE:
The casting call sought “nonwhite men and women” for roles in the play, which is known for using black and latino actors to portray prominent figures in American history, the New York Times reports.
On Wednesday, the musical said that it would change the wording of its post to make clear that people from all backgrounds are welcome to try out.
However, according to the Times, the show’s producers said that they will stick to Hamilton’s commitment to hiring diverse actors, adding that while they “regret the confusion” that has stemmed from the casting call, “it is essential to the storytelling of Hamilton that the principal roles, which were written for nonwhite characters (excepting King George), be performed by nonwhite actors.”
According to the Times, although the post caused controversy, it is not uncommon for Broadway shows to specify the race, gender and age range of desired actors.
Click here to read CNN’s thoughts on the casting call, and more.
TIDAL isn’t stopping at music, they’re going to start streaming movies as well.
Page Six exclusively reports:
Jay Z is using his subscription-based streaming-music service Tidal to get into the movie business — and will soon be offering original films to subscribers, Page Six can exclusively reveal.
Multiple sources confirmed to us that the service is in negotiations with movie-industry executives, for a partnership to create films for Tidal, with a focus on the artists signed to the streaming service.
Tidal has already put in a request to Apple for approval to add movie streaming to their app, we’re told, and the service could be up and running as early as June.
It looks like Netflix and Hulu have some competition.
Kevin Hart is partnering with Lionsgate, according to new reports.
From Variety:
Lionsgate has formed a partnership with Kevin Hart and his Hartbeat Digital to launch the Laugh Out Loud video-on-demand service in the fall.
The new over-the-top service will operate 24-7 and serve as the exclusive home for all content created by Hart outside his theatrical and live touring activities and include original series starring Hart — such as a hidden-camera premium original series in which Hart stars as an undercover Lyft driver.
“Lionsgate has always been a great partner of mine, and I’m more than excited to take our business and creative relationship to new levels,” said Hart. “I understand the direction in which the television business is headed, and I see this big new space toward which audiences are starting to gravitate. I believe that launching this venture together now puts us ahead of the pack.”
Click here for more information.
Netflix is doing big things too.
The online streaming service has just “acquired its first original series to be shot and produced in Spain,” reports THR.
The site goes on to say:
Netflix has acquired its first original series to be shot and produced in Spain, snagging Velvet andGran Reserva director Carlos Sedes for a 1920s-era, female-driven drama.
The 16-episode as-yet-untitled series is set to start shooting in Madrid later this year, with Bambu Producciones’ Ramon Campos and Teresa Fernandez-Valdes executive producing.
Head over to THR for more on the upcoming series.
SOURCE: PEOPLE, Variety, Page Six, THR | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
What’s Happening In Hip-Pop: “Hamilton” Under Fire For Non-White Casting Call, & More was originally published on globalgrind.com
