BLESStheLORD86
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Female Judas and male Mary... opinions?I've been cast in a modernized production of JCS that features a female Judas and a gay male Mary Magdalene. Also, Herod and Simon are to be played by women as well.
Thoughts/opinions on this?
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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Awful.
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BLESStheLORD86
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Why do you say that? The chemistry between the characters will remain exactly the same. There is no love triangle... no sexual tension between Jesus and Mary. It shows that the connection between these characters surpasses sex and lust and that there is so much more to them.
I wouldn't have agreed to play the part if I didn't think it would work.
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HeroTheBishop
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I think it's awful purely because of the music. The songs are written for specific ranges, and I hate changing keys to accommodate.
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Pounce
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| BLESStheLORD86 wrote: | Why do you say that? The chemistry between the characters will remain exactly the same. There is no love triangle... no sexual tension between Jesus and Mary. It shows that the connection between these characters surpasses sex and lust and that there is so much more to them.
I wouldn't have agreed to play the part if I didn't think it would work. |
My question is "what is the point of doing that?" It sounds as if the point of your show is to question assumptions of gender and gender roles rather than to perform JCS as it was intended. It seems to divert the attention from Jesus and who he was and toward issues of gender.
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BLESStheLORD86
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| Pounce wrote: | | BLESStheLORD86 wrote: | Why do you say that? The chemistry between the characters will remain exactly the same. There is no love triangle... no sexual tension between Jesus and Mary. It shows that the connection between these characters surpasses sex and lust and that there is so much more to them.
I wouldn't have agreed to play the part if I didn't think it would work. |
My question is "what is the point of doing that?" It sounds as if the point of your show is to question assumptions of gender and gender roles rather than to perform JCS as it was intended. It seems to divert the attention from Jesus and who he was and toward issues of gender. |
We are setting the show in a very modern, urban setting. All of the characters remain the same, they are just presented in different lights. Jesus remains untouched, but the rest of the cast has been modernized to a certain extent, giving the entire show a more new-age feel.
As a gay male, Mary copes with his feelings for Jesus in a very natural, truthful manor... just like any othr production of JCS. I mean, look at the lyrics to I Dont Know How to Love Him and think of what Mary is saying.... now as a gay male having those feelings for someone... loving someone so much and not expecting anything except friendship in return... and in the end, not needing anything more... I don't know, I think it is rather powerful.
The triangle between Jesus, Mary, and Judas works just as well. The tension between Judas and Mary is just as prominant. Judas doesn't approve of Mary's ways, Mary simply want's the best for Jesus... they both know something huge is about to happen, but they each have different means of handling it. Jesus obviously loves and cares about Mary... as an extremely close friend and nothing more... and Judas acknowledges that. Judas is Jesus' "right-hand man", and then this Mary enters the scene and Judas feels extremely betrayed... kind of forced into the background. It all still works. The chemistry has not been changed.
And in the end, it just basically came down to that... the chemistry... these people work well together. And, sex aside, they fall into these parts and really become these characters. If they weren't right for the parts then they wouldn't have been given the roles. I say wait for proof of the finished product before any negative judgement is passed.
I suppose a lot of this is also based on who is putting this on and the venue in which it will be held...
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Pounce
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I suppose your "Mary" would work but if he keeps the name Mary, then he probably should be a cross-dresser. Sort of like the character Angel in "Rent".
I thought that Judas' problem with Jesus and that Jesus was not the sort of leader that he had hoped for to lead them against the Roman rule. If this is a modern story then who are the oppressors?
And who exactly is Herod? What position does she hold?
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BLESStheLORD86
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| Pounce wrote: | I suppose your "Mary" would work but if he keeps the name Mary, then he probably should be a cross-dresser. Sort of like the character Angel in "Rent".
I thought that Judas' problem with Jesus and that Jesus was not the sort of leader that he had hoped for to lead them against the Roman rule. If this is a modern story then who are the oppressors?
And who exactly is Herod? What position does she hold? |
Mary is a stripper, but not a cross-dresser. His gay-image tones down through-out the show until, at the end, he will be in a black wife-beater and jeans. Mary's name is used twice in the show, and while he will be known as the character of Mary and refered to as such in the programs, posters, etc... in the actual show the name has been replaced with "he" both times.
As for Judas, this is how the director interprets him... or in this case, her. If you look at the lyrics of the show, you see that Judas feels that Jesus is stumbling, but he still supports him. Judas still believes in Jesus and that he is the true savior, but he is waiting for the moment to really prove himself. In order to bring that about, Judas goes through with telling the aiding the priests. She expects that, once threatened, Jesus will step forward as a tue leader. Once everything takes place and Judas' plan falls to pieces, he realizes that this was Jesus' (and his fathers) intentions the whole time. They knew who Judas was and how he would react to Jesus and so they used her.
Herod is still very similar to what he... she is in the original show. This production isn't set in any specific city or place. The location is a modern-day-city in shambles, and the gov. that exists (whatever kind it may be) is still very much a hierarchy. Pilate is in charge and Herod is below him. The setting we are using for Herod's scene is a very modern office building. She has assistants on typewriters, large windows revealing the city behind her... she is obviously in a large building of much importance. As the song goes on, she strips off her sensible pin-stripe suit to reveal a leather corset and, well, everything else you could expect to go with that. She then proceeds to go through the whole song-and-dance routine one would expect for her character... just... vamped up a little bit.
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RyanJ
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I don't like the idea of switching up gender for these characters, there has to be a way to have those characters in a modern, urban setting without confusing the audience and looking unprofessional.
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BLESStheLORD86
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| RyanJ wrote: | I don't like the idea of switching up gender for these characters, there has to be a way to have those characters in a modern, urban setting without confusing the audience and looking unprofessional.
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Why do you say that makes it unprofessional?
It was the directors intentions. It's a take on the show that she's wanted to witness and she feels works. She didn't cast the characters that way to modernize the show... She did it to give a new point of view to a very well known story. Who doesn't know the story of the passion? It's a new interpretation, that's all.
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RyanJ
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That's fine and I respect your director's creativity and imagination, but from the audience's perspective, there's going to be plenty of people who would think it's unprofessional for characters to be getting switched up and have things changed up. I mean, would you pay money to see a show that you like, but when you get there it's a completely different idea for the show?
Some people would say they like the director's interpretation, but I can gaurantee that if it isn't pulled off exceptionally, it would just look amateur-ish.
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BLESStheLORD86
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I see what you mean and that's completely understandable and put in very respectful manor. I agree, honestly I do.
But I still think it has such potential to be something very positive and very moving.
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Tenor4Life
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| HeroTheBishop wrote: | | I think it's awful purely because of the music. The songs are written for specific ranges, and I hate changing keys to accommodate. |
Agreed two billion percent. Hearing a girl sing Heaven on Their Minds is so boring. Anyway, where are you doing it?
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BLESStheLORD86
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From what I've heard, there's a chance we're getting a grant through someone who works with the Cleveland GSA. Since the theater group is pretty fresh, our director is doing all she can to make this production as big as possible. It may be presented through a branch of Cleveland Public Theater known as The Wild Plum... or Prune... or some random fruit. They tend to specialize in new and revisioned works and productions, so I guess this is right up there ally. But yeah, the actual full-ensemble rehearsals haven't even begun yet, so for all I know this could all change within the next few weeks.
All I know is performance dates are set at the second-third weekend in June.
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RyanJ
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Break a leg 
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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It's a challenge for a man to pull off Judas then it is for a girl. A girl Judas is cheap.
A gay Mary is even worse. Horrible, just plain horrible.
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BLESStheLORD86
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Hey, dont knock it till its finished... You are QUITE the angsty little fellow, aren't ya'? lol
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BLESStheLORD86
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And also... how is a gay Mary worse? How is that so horrible?...
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Brother Marvin Hinten, S.
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Political correctness my ass. Tim Rice may support gender-bending in this show, but I don't. GODSPELL is much easier to gender-bend because there's no strict guidelines, but JCS is tougher. Concept or no, sometimes new ideas just don't cut it (as Gale Edwards proved in 2000).
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BLESStheLORD86
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It happens all the time. Look at the current revival of Sweeny Todd. That's professional theater right there, and one of the major roles was switched from male to female.
And I never said it was a matter of political correctness. That's definitely not the intention.
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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Little? 5'4 is little? 
You made me sad. I'll go cry now.
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Tenor4Life
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| BLESStheLORD86 wrote: | | It happens all the time. Look at the current revival of Sweeney Todd. |
It's Broadway. They're allowed.
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BLESStheLORD86
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lmao, wonderful excuse... that's FABULOUS... Ok, well... I'll end it with this. Since you wont have to SEE our production, you wont have to worry about what all we do with it.
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Brother Marvin Hinten, S.
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I'll paraphrase one of this show's famous sayings: "Stick to Godspell from now on."
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musikal_geek
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This is my opinion: JCS is an AMAZING show and I think that it should be kept that way. It tells a very moving story and I personally don't think that you can mess with this masterpiece to make it better. It can't be done. 
'Course, that's just me, though. 
Don't get me wrong, here. You guys can do whatever you want with it. It's your production. The above is ONLY what I think and is NOT intended to hurt anyone.
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BLESStheLORD86
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The story itself isn't being changed at all. We're actually staying VERY true to the original, even right down to the way the scenes are executed and such...
The only difference is in the genders of four of the characters, but they still travel the same journey... go through the same events... share the same emotions as the originals.
As for you Brother M. My friend, I've been in over 40 shows... I've done Godspell MULTIPLE times in MULTIPLE forms playing MULTIPLE characters... Please do NOT tell me what shows I should and should not "stick to". If I can play the parts... which I can, believe me... then I'll act in whichever shows I wish. 
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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It's still a really bad idea.
But then again, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, as misguided as they may be. 
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BLESStheLORD86
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Tis just your opinion... I know for everyone whose been against it, there's two who support it in their place. We'll just wait and see the final product...
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FeralCats
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I'm not really sure about your post.
You start off asking people for opinions, but when they don't happen to coincide with yours, you jump down their throats.
(Not to mention, you seem unable to take a joke)
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musikal_geek
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| FeralCats wrote: | I'm not really sure about your post.
You start off asking people for opinions, but when they don't happen to coincide with yours, you jump down their throats.
(Not to mention, you seem unable to take a joke) |
I would like to second that motion. We are just giving are opinions. If I had posted something that I'm doing, I wouldn't expect 100% of M.Net to agree with me. Lighten up a bit. 
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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Yer, you get em', boy!
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BLESStheLORD86
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Sorry, I'm just very sarcastic. A lot of the stuff I've said is just meant in good fun. I understand everyone has their own opinion and that's perfectly fine and good. I must say that some people were being pretty rude about it though... I asked your opinions and all, but I didn't ask to have our production insulted. There's a difference between saying that you feel it's a bad idea and blatently telling me my production will be "awful".
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BLESStheLORD86
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And... I've never said anyone here is WRONG. I've defended myself, but I'm not saying anything against anyones personal opinions. The only time I've argued back is when I've felt personally offended with the way something was said towards myself/the production, which has yet to even be performed.
So now I look like some bad guy and you're all going to gang up on me simply because I'm attempting to defend my production....
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FeralCats
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Noones trying to gang up on you. I'm all for new, interesting ways of doing performances.
Noone has said that your production is going to be bad, just that they thought the basic premise of what you were asking was....shaky, to say the least.
The 'Stick To Godspell From Now On' comment was a joke, I thought. A simple pun.
Since I haven't actually said anything myself on the subject, here's my thoughts.
I've been musical director for Superstar before, and we had a female Judas. Note perfect rendition. A little boring, though, as said before. Those high notes aren't just there because they fit the scale of the key they are in. They are there to convey a certain emotion...one that IS lost if you give it to a female who honestly does not have to put as much effort in to the song as a male would. (Vocal wise.)
The only problem that I can even see with 'Mary' being gay is the fact that he's still a PROSTITUTE, yes? If you're realistically bringing this to modern times, you of course realize there are far more heterosexuals than homosexuals. That would make being a homosexual prostitute a little difficult, wouldn't it..? Rare as well. There have been gay prostitues though, so it may be a moot point.
From a vocal standpoint, I don't like Marys songs much, anyway. It doesn't feel like IDKHTLH would work with a male singing it, strictly from a musical perspective.
Also-I don't subscribe to the notion, but a lot of people feel there is a 'sexual tension' between Judas, Jesus and Mary. Understand that that is being cut.
But, remember- "Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible." I can't wait to hear how your performance goes.
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BLESStheLORD86
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Thank you for being respectful about this. The way you presented your opinions and arguments were completely reasonable, and I appreciate everything that was said, may it be supportive or against our concept.
I just knew that, with such drastic ideas... there would be some typical theater backlash. I was just preparing myself and got somewhat defensive, that's all. Sorry if I came off as a biz-itch and all.
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Brother Marvin Hinten, S.
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| FeralCats wrote: | | The 'Stick To Godspell From Now On' comment was a joke, I thought. A simple pun. |
Exactly, since he's posted at the "Godspell" forums for as long as I can remember the new, newer, and newest set-ups of mdn.
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jcstar
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Re: Female Judas and male Mary... opinions? | BLESStheLORD86 wrote: | I've been cast in a modernized production of JCS that features a female Judas and a gay male Mary Magdalene. Also, Herod and Simon are to be played by women as well.
Thoughts/opinions on this? |
I really, REALLY wish that ALW and TR would make a JCS law that says it's illeagal to change ANYTHING about JCS!!!
Jesus, Judas, Priests, Apostles, Herod, Pilate WERE ALL MEN!!!
Mary Magdalene should be the ONLY female in the pricoipal cast.
I am so sick of this stuff happening. It's wrong and it must stop.
I really don't care if it's modernized or not. Keep the roles the way they were written!!
It's threads like these that make me want to alert R&H and RUG.
Thank you.
Andy.
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BLESStheLORD86
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I'm sorry, but I really dont think it's "wrong"...
This is the second time I've been in JCS. The first time we had a female Pilate, and the audience response was SO positive... One reviewer said that, after seeing her as Pilate, he would never be able to picture the character the same way again.
I can see if you dont agree with the interpretation, but thats all it is... an artstic interpretation. Just dont see it, that's all I can say... It's a play, and it isn't being FORCED on anyone.
I mean, I'm sorry if you're offended. That's all I can say...
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jcstar
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If it wasn't so close to m heart, then I wouldn't be saying these things.
But I was raised on JCS. I want to see the roles done the ways they were intewnded.
I mean, a girl CAN play Judas, Jesus, Pilate, etc... but where's the chalenge? Girl's can easily hit all the notes that the male roles need.
That doesn't impress me.
I would rather have a bunch of men scream their lungs out doing the male roles. That's the way the music is intended.
I want a Judas to end up spitting blood because he's into the role.
I want Jesus to cough up a lung in "Gethsemane." Or at least die trying.
I want Pilate to blow up his voice box screaming "Die if you want to!" Then do the same thing again the next night.
I want Mary Magdalene to sing to me... not Jesus... so I can goive her a bunch of roses at the stage door.
Basically, I want performers to risk their health doing JCS.
You haven't "offended" me. I just want to make it clear why I want to see the roles performed by the right people.
Gender-bending should not be allowed in JCS.
Andy.
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BLESStheLORD86
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Well, I understand where you're coming from, but please dont think I dont share a bond with the show myself. I've loved JCS for a long time... and I understand everything you're saying. But to tell me that I would not work my backside off playing Mary is not true... I'm sorry...
I've loved the character of Mary ever since I knew of the show, and the idea of portraying her is far too appealing for me to pass it up. I know I can do the character justice... I know I can present her... or him... in a manor that will appeal to the audience.
I'm in no way trying to ruin the character. Please understand that...
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Tenor4Life
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| BLESStheLORD86 wrote: | I'm sorry, but I really dont think it's "wrong"...
This is the second time I've been in JCS. The first time we had a female Pilate, and the audience response was SO positive... One reviewer said that, after seeing her as Pilate, he would never be able to picture the character the same way again.
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But she was ---- amazing. Which I think is the problem, that when the roles are switched like this, it isn't for the better.
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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S'true. Just look at Amy Ray. 
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diva!
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aww well i feel bad 4 u blessthelord86
i confess i havent seen JCS (nor does it alltogether appeal) but i sorta think the whole point of what ur director is trying to achieve is to be controversial and to get people to have opinions.
i dont think it will be bad i think it sounds like a good idea (altho i do agree about heaven on their minds having to be a struggle to sing or it doesnt work) - and i think u shud be glad uve got a lot of negative feedback. i for one feel that theatre which can provoke peoples emotions (good or bad) is powerful theatre.
look at jerry springer the opera- there was UPROAR about that when it came onto UK tv and they almost had to cancel it, they said it was vulgar and horrible and anti christianity and all that- but im so glad they still put it on!
GOOD LUCK WITH UR SHOW
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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Judas should cough up a lung in his songs. A girl can sing it easily.
A man could NEVER sing Mary's songs because a man doesn't have a women's range, and so all the Mary songs shall suck.
Sorry, I'm just giving my honest opinion.
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jcstar
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| Lazarus (Adam G) wrote: | Judas should cough up a lung in his songs. A girl can sing it easily.
A man could NEVER sing Mary's songs because a man doesn't have a women's range, and so all the Mary songs shall suck.
Sorry, I'm just giving my honest opinion. |
When I speak to Yvonne Elliman in September, remind me to quote you on this, and see how she responds.
Andy.
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BLESStheLORD86
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O whatever... I really dont CARE what her opinion is. lol!
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Lazarus (Adam G)
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I didn't say Mary's songs suck...They would if a man sang them.
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jcstar
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On that, we agree.
Andy.
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Webster
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This post needs to die because it is the dumbest idea ever. ever.
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MsDivaKate
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I feel like switching genders tends to take away some of the power of the show, as well as the actual story. I mean these were real people who's genders we're switching around. As much as some women might like to play those male roles or as much as they can sing them, it shouldn't happen. What is the need for it?
Gender switching characters that actually existed is messing with too much.
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Cazzy Mcsnazzy
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You are going to offend alot of people with this version. Think about how many christians were against the show when it started! Never mind with a gay Mary!
The whole appeal of JCS to me is hearing the men playing Jesus and Judus hitting those top notes! Its just amazing! And i think a female duet of 'Could we start again please' will just sound boring. You need the contast in voices. Im not denying that your cast maybe extremely talented but the character were written that way for a reason and shouldnt be messed with! x
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Brother Marvin Hinten, S.
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Well, there you go, Bless. There's your answer.
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BLESStheLORD86
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Well to be honest... I'm in no need of an answer... I haven't been on this board in weeks...
We'll see come fall... as of now, this forum just really isn't important to me anymore. I know where I'm going with the character and it's my own problem now... other people opinions just dont matter at this point.
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Cazzy Mcsnazzy
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Why did you ask for peoples opinions then?
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BLESStheLORD86
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I did... over 4 months ago... before we had even started working on the project... I don't see why people suddenly started posting again. I took it this post was dead...
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Bill_Calhoun
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Everyone will be up in arms about this, but I think the version this thread regards sounds rather awesome 
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BLESStheLORD86
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Well thank you. I'll post some pictures of the actual production is the next few weeks...
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superdave
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I think it might be a good idea to have a Female Judas, not a Male Mary. It would be quite interesting, for a woman to play the betrayer. Of course, I am a loyal JCS lover. That show, is responsible for my love for theatre. And its my favorite ALW show, by far. So I think--changing genders, would be blasphemy to the gospel of Jesus Christ Superstar. Plus Corpus Christi, already does the gay Jesus thing... its been done.
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lalala
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I recently saw one production of JC that was done very 'religiously' ('scuse the pun). Male Judas, male Jesus, female Mary, the entire ensemble done up in ochre coloured skirts with tea-towels on their heads. It was good, but it was also a little disappointing. It was perhaps too safe - it stuck to stereotypes and didn't impress.
I was also a little annoyed about the male leads always taking the safe options vocally - if there was ever a sky-high screeching note, they would take an octave or a third or a fifth below it. And Jesus, in Gethsemane, was too busy being emotional that he couldn't quite get the whole "I wanna know, I wanna know my God!" rhythm. Frankly the boys were disappointing.
But it is understandable. JC is an incredibly hard show to sing for guys, and when so few guys do musical theatre anyway, it kind of makes sense to have females playing some male roles. When appropriate. For example, here is a picture of a female Judas in a recent production at my university:
She was awesome beyond awesome and ended up winning the state Musical Theatre Guild award for her performance. Judas is one of those characters where it is appropriate.
Mary, however, is not. The point of Mary is to be a contrast to the disciples - to be a little ray of caring, loving femininity amongst all the blind adoration from the apostles and followers. To cast Mary as a gay male is to distract from the impact her character is supposed to have. Mary songs are also written very much for a female voice - to hear a man singing them would be almost painful.
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BLESStheLORD86
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I am sorry, but I feel that saying what you did makes you sound extremely hypocritical... To say its alright to change the sex of Judas, a character who is JUST as prominant and the focus of almost the entire show but unacceptable to change the part of Mary because the vocals would be "painful"...?
I'm sorry, but to me that is unreasonable.
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Fantine
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Wow, that girl looks awesome!! So spunky!
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Salome
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She looks amazing!
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lalalei2001
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She looks like me!
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lalala
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What I'm saying is that Mary's gender is of importance to the show, and the story overall. She is the woman.. meant to be feminine enough to contrast with the men that Jesus surrounds himself with.
Judas, on the other hand, has the primary purpose of being the betrayer - Judas's sex isn't that important to the story.
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BLESStheLORD86
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It's not the fact that Mary is a woman that makes her important... it is the feelings she has and expresses toward Jesus through-out the show. Not so much relating to her, but as a whole... please tell me you're not saying a gay man could not have those same feelings or handle their emotions in a similar manor. As a homosexual male I, myself, would be rather offended...
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lalala
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It is about feelings, but you have to admit that Mary is 'special' or stands out from the disciples because she is a woman. The disciples all have feelings (what type of feelings is up to your interpretation) for Jesus, Mary simply isn't 'the disciple-wannabe who loved Jesus the most'. It's also important to note that Mary doesn't have a last name in the show - her character, to be fair, is a sort of amalgamation of Mary (Jesus's mother) and Mary Magdalene. Despite struggling with her love for Jesus, she also shows him a lot of .. 'maternal' type feelings. So, a male homosexual Mary is supposed to be a combination of .. what?
You have also got to think about gender balances in the show - is it fair to have a host of such brilliant male characters and the 'main' ensemble consisting entirely of men, then say, "Great idea! Lets take the only female part in the show and give it to a man!". Sure, a male homosexual Mary might be making political statements or showing how 'open minded' you are - but what is the point? You are denying a woman the only part in the show that is readily available to her.
And now for some audience participation! If there is a man out there who can sing Mary's songs without murdering them, I'd like to hear. Boys already get Gethsemane and Heaven on their Minds, why should they have any more?
| Quote: | | Not so much relating to her, but as a whole... please tell me you're not saying a gay man could not have those same feelings or handle their emotions in a similar manor. As a homosexual male I, myself, would be rather offended... |
- why take it so personally? I said nothing about you not being able to have those same feelings, or of homosexual men in general not being able to have those feelings. If you need further clarification on what I said, read above again and try to think about it terms of characters in a musical rather than yourself.
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BLESStheLORD86
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I didn't say I took it personally... I asked what exactly you meant and said, if you did mean it that certain way I "would be offended".
As for mary being "different", "special", and "standing out" because she's a woman... in a modern setting don't you think being a homosexual could be the same thing. Keep in mind, Mary stood out to Judas not only because she was a woman but also because of her "profession"... her lifestyle... he didn't agree with who she was...
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BLESStheLORD86
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[quote="lalala"]You have also got to think about gender balances in the show - is it fair to have a host of such brilliant male characters and the 'main' ensemble consisting entirely of men, then say, "Great idea! Lets take the only female part in the show and give it to a man!". Sure, a male homosexual Mary might be making political statements or showing how 'open minded' you are - but what is the point? You are denying a woman the only part in the show that is readily available to her.[quote]
Judas has been cast as a female...
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lalala
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Ok, one role and a possible second versus Jesus, Pilate, Herod, disciples, Caiaphus, Annas, etc etc etc...
Does it sound very fair?
Mary stands out because she's something opposite - a homosexual man is still a man.
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Webster
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We should have a production with a female jesus.
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BLESStheLORD86
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| lalala wrote: | Ok, one role and a possible second versus Jesus, Pilate, Herod, disciples, Caiaphus, Annas, etc etc etc...
Does it sound very fair?
Mary stands out because she's something opposite - a homosexual man is still a man. |
Simon and Herod are also females...
Mary will be opposite... he's gay... nobody else in this show is...
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jcstar
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I just don't get it. Why switch genders of the roles? It doesn't make any sense.
If you don't have guys who can sing the roles, then DON'T DO THE SHOW!
Gender switching (for whatever reason) is just all sorts of wrong. If I was Tim Rice or Andrew Lloyd Webber, I would close the production down.
Andy.
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lalala
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For goodness sake, it shouldn't be about sexuality. It's ridiculous to bring that into a show that's already so emotion-heavy and controversial.
And it's also not worth discussing this if people can't be objective about it - it's a show, it's not about YOUR sexuality. Actors play characters, not themselves, and if you're a homosexual person playing a straight role or vice versa, it shouldn't even matter a single bit.
Gender-bending isn't a good idea generally - I simply brought up a picture of female Judas because she looks awesome and gave a brilliant performance - she is one of a very few people who would be able to pull it off. Shows are written to be performed the way they are, and if you want to mess around with it, go write your own show about a homosexual Mary or whatever you want.
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muckseen
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I will selfishly say WOHOO! Because Heaven on Their Minds is one of my favourite musical theatre songs EVER and as a girl it's always been my secret desire to play Judas and sing that song.
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Cazzy Mcsnazzy
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Mary is temptation to Jesus. Jesus wasnt gay. So how could a male mary be a temptation? The thought of the gender changes just makes me cringe!
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BLESStheLORD86
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I dont agree with that at all... Mary becomes Jesus' best friend... he confides in her... She understands him. If anything, Mary is dealing with her feelings for him...
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lalala
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Mary is a temptation.
The whole idea of a gay Mary just doesn't work - you would have to change too many elements of plot and the musical score to make it work.
If you are so passionate about having a gay Mary, it might be advisable to write your own musical, rather than tearing apart and restructuring somebody elses.
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BLESStheLORD86
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I still dont think of Mary as a temptation, but I suppose everyone takes something different away from each show.
Listen... let me be really honest... I just really want to play this damn part. I've always wanted to. I feel the journey that the character goes on through this show is absolutely heart-renching and pure gold for any actress... or actor...
I've always loved the character and I never thought I'd be given the chance to play it... I mean, honestly... I know just as well as you all what a risk it is... don't think I don't understand that. But I'm going to do it because I doubt I'll ever have a chance like it again...
So yeah... that's the real reason why I want to be part of this show... I expected negative reactions and all but it really doesn't matter... it's going to be an amazing experience for me as an actor.
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Beagle On Stage
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Lala, I agree with your position on casting a male Mary completely, but many of your statements aren't sitting well with me. You're applying a huge double standard here in terms of a female Judas.
Honestly, I don't think the genders of ANY characters in this show should be switched, Judas, Mary, or otherwise, EVER. I've seen it done (to many of the characters, in different productions), and I don't care how amazing of a singer or actor you have, it looks terrible and is disruptive. While I disapprove of playing Mary as a gay man, it's still just about as valid as playing Judas as a woman.
| Quote: | | If there is a man out there who can sing Mary's songs without murdering them, I'd like to hear. |
When I become smart enough to make the microphone on this new computer work, I'm going to serve you cake. It goes back to the double standard. "I Don't Know How to Love Him" is just as suitable for a man as "Heaven on their Minds" is for a woman (which, really, is not very suitable).
| Quote: | | Boys already get Gethsemane and Heaven on their Minds, why should they have any more? |
Not necessarily. Apparently everyone and their mother thinks it's a good idea to give all of Judas's songs to a woman.
I understand what you're saying about it being okay because theatres are always heavy on women and low on men. "But that is not a reason to destroy (it, the show)." The balance between male and female roles in musical theatre is very unfair, and unfortunate because casting options are often the opposite, but it's how it is. (Besides, when there is a female role, it usually kicks the butt of any male role in the show in terms of how good of a role it is.)
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prettypanda09
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| RyanJ wrote: | I don't like the idea of switching up gender for these characters, there has to be a way to have those characters in a modern, urban setting without confusing the audience and looking unprofessional.
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I agree 
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