Big news on Broadway as Norm Lewis has been named as the next actor to put on the ask for New York's longest running musical, The Phantom of The Opera. It's always a big deal when the Phantom role changes, but for those unfamiliar with Broadway names, Lewis's casting is especially relevant: The actor will be the first African-American to take the role.
"I'm overwhelmed. The idea of doing something that I've always wanted to do and it coming to fruition is amazing," Lewis said. "I love the show but also to have hopefully set a precedent to see more diversity in casting."
It's not the first time Lewis has broken into roles typically played by white actors. He's also performed as Javert in Les Misérables. Lewis also scored a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor when he played Porgy in the most recent revival of Porgy and Bess. The world as a whole probably best recognizes Lewis from one of his television appearances, where he plays Senator Edison Davis on Scandal.
There hasn't been any dramatic backlash yet, but inevitably someone will angrily protest a black man playing a traditionally white role, just as there are still people whining about Willow Smith playing Little Orphan Annie. These are the same people who literally cried when they found out Samus from Metroid was a woman, so whatever.
For those who are afraid of change, we have good news: Sierra Boggess will reprise her role as Christine.
Robert Guillaume was actually the first African-American to play the Phantom, although he did so in a 1990 Los Angeles production.
