A Minneapolis theatre production of Cinderella has been cancelled because there were too few blacks among the cast
A press release from the Chanhassen Dinner Theater reports that the musical production by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II was cancelled “after careful consideration” in terms of a “commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.”
Director Michael Brindisi clarifies that the decision was made because of the casting.
“It was 98% white”, – the director said. – “It doesn’t work with what we say we’re going to do.”
Chanhassen Dinner Theater is located in southwest Minneapolis. It was here last May that black repeat offender George Floyd was killed by police when he was apprehended. The incident triggered a wave of protests that, with the help of liberals, swept across the United States.
Those events affected artists as well, Brindisi lamented. He admitted that since Floyd’s assassination, the theatre has had to change its very culture.
“We have really focused on diversity, equality and inclusivity, a commitment to social justice and ensuring greater diversity in our business across the board”, – said the director.