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Casting and Inclusivity in the Broadway Musical: Broadway Bodies: A Critical History of Conformity, By Ryan Donovan. 316 pp. Illustrated. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023. $125.00, $38.95 paper. ISBN: 9780197551073, ISBN: 9780197551080 paper.

Authors :
Oehlers, Adrienne Gibbons
Source :
Dance Chronicle; May-Aug2024, Vol. 47 Issue 2, p282-285, 4p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

In "Broadway Bodies: A Critical History of Conformity," Ryan Donovan explores the discriminatory casting practices in Broadway musicals. The book examines how the casting process perpetuates the ideal body in terms of size, sexuality, and ability. Donovan uses disability studies, Deaf studies, fat studies, and LGBTQ+ studies to analyze the intersectional issues embedded in Broadway body politics. The book highlights the scarcity of performance opportunities for non-normative bodies and the limitations of casting directors who prioritize economic and artistic pressures. It also discusses the historical overview and case studies related to size, sexuality, and disability in Broadway musicals. The author argues for more inclusive casting that goes beyond race and gender, advocating for a broader acceptance of diverse body types, sexualities, and abilities in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01472526
Volume :
47
Issue :
2
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Dance Chronicle
Publication Type :
Review
Accession number :
178068450
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/01472526.2024.2338340