ESEA issues, LGBT issues, entertainment, culture and everything in between
Roger & Hammerstein’s musical “The King and I” is one of very few shows with a majority ESEA/Asian cast after decades of questionable casting. But what next for these talented ethnic minority actors when so few characters seem to call for people like them?
ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) representation has slowly improved in the US over the years, but still needs major improvement in the UK. How can this be turned around so Model Minority and other stereotypical characters and storylines are challenged and avoided, giving ESEA talent and creatives the opportunities to showcase what they can offer?
If you follow me here at Tan’s Topics, you will know I am an avid theatre fan, especially musical theatre. For this year’s World Theatre Day (27th March annually), I have decided to rank all the musicals I have so far reviewed or mentioned in some capacity in this one post. Are you excited and ready? Read on for more.
“Mamma Mia!” is one of the world’s most popular musicals, but it’s sadly also known as one of the least diverse when it comes to casting. How can this be turned around, following in the first steps of many other shows but also helping to change the world of the theatre?
It’s been going strong for 70 years, had nearly 29,000 performances and more than 10 million audience members, so why hadn’t I seen Agatha Christie’s murder mystery play “The Mousetrap” before? But more importantly, what did I think of it? Read my review of it here.
Its animated film is one of the high-grossing of all-time, but the stage adaptation of “The Lion King” is the highest-grossing and the second most-watched musical of all time. Now the global phenomenon is finally touring the UK again after years of anticipation. Read my full review of this roaring spectacle of a show at Manchester’s Palace Theatre here.
“Dreamgirls” stands as not just one of my favourite shows of all time, it stands as one of the most soulful, dazzling and popular musicals of all time, transcending people of all races and all types of music tastes. Read my full review of the show (my second time seeing it) from Manchester’s Palace Theatre here.
One of the most iconic Disney villains of all time, Ursula the sea witch, finally gets to tell us her side of the story in this funny and filthy musical parody by Fat Rascal Theatre.
It’s an iconic film. She’s an iconic character. And she was portrayed by an iconic actor. Now, Mrs. Doubtfire, originated by the late, great Robin Williams, is back – this time on stage as a brand new musical. Does it do the film and Williams justice or will its tits burn up and ruin everything? Read my full review of the show here.
Three years after the long-awaited return of performing in the UK (or anywhere really) with “The X Tour” in 2019, Christina Aguilera is back again to promote her new Spanish-language album “Aguilera”. Most casual fans may not have ever known about the new music but there’s no forgetting it or Christina after seeing her live. Read my full review of her Liverpool show here.
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