Broadway theaters in New York have always prided themselves on showcasing some of the greatest musical and performing talent. Since its beginning, Broadway has used famous Hollywood actors to elevate and promote their shows, known as stunt casting.
Some of the notable Hollywood stars on Broadway right now include Sarah Hyland, Tom Felton and Neil Patrick Harris. Influencers who gained notoriety from TikTok and other social media platforms have also made their way to the stage. A few instances include internet personality Trisha Paytas appearing as a minimal character in “Beetlejuice,” and TikTok dancer Charli D’Amelio, who is a part of the ensemble of the show “& Juliet”.
Although these media personalities have taken on very minor roles, freshman Adele Fianko of Freehold doesn’t agree with influencers being cast on Broadway.
“I don’t think they have the same experience as normal Broadway actors, and I feel like their fame can take away from the show,” Fianko said.
Similar to Fianko, in recent years, Broadway patrons have begun to question what makes someone talented enough to perform in a Broadway show. Senior Shawn Ribeiro of West Long Branch highlighted a potential disadvantage of hiring influencers rather than trained actors.
“It’s unfortunate that these people, [who] may have more talent, aren’t getting these roles. That’s the drawback,” said Ribeiro.
In another scenario, Whitney Leavitt, reality star of “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” and a participant in the most recent season of “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS), will be starring as Roxie Hart in the musical “Chicago.”
“I’ve heard horrible things about Whitney from the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” freshman Grace Hendrickson of Wall said. “I feel like by going on Broadway, she’s trying to make up for it or prove that she’s a good person, and it’s not doing any of that. I don’t think she has the right intentions and that she’s just doing it to be more famous.”
Others believe that the part of Roxie Hart is typically a stunt-cast role, and they see no reason Levitt shouldn’t have the opportunity after her performance on DWTS.
“Chicago has been on Broadway for 25 years now. It stays alive; it stays on Broadway by having these people that are so famous come act in the show,” Ribeiro said. “It’s sad, but I believe Broadway is slowly going downhill and a lot [fewer] people are going to see these shows. I think having these influencers and celebrities is what is getting people in these seats.”
