disabled actors on broadway

[bryan]

hi i have a learning disability and i think that people on broadway should have people who are disabled as actors and menbers of the theatre commut because we are people to and i what to be an actor on broadway too or just in a play on stage somewhere in the world.

[Jordan Catalano]

You are right, Bryan. Sadly it probably won't happen but it would be very nice to see!

Weren't you involved with a disabled theater group once?

[wonderwaiter]

Bryan, you are absolutely right that disabled people should have a place in the community. If I remember correctly, you are in Portland, Maine? I've been in Bangor for about a year and a half now, and I've been amazed by the amount of theater that goes on up here during the summer months - not just in the larger communities, but all over the state. Have you looked into those? There's a surprisingly large amount of theater going on up here that doesn't seem to get much attention.

[broadwayworldreader]

[ljay889]

What did Jordan write that was wrong?

[Jordan Catalano]

Excuse me? EXCUSE ME?! What exactly is tasteless? Bryan has been on this board for years now and I have ALWAYS looked forward to his posts. I seem to remember him talking about a disabled theater group a while ago so I asked him about it.

How DARE YOU try to make it sound like I was being mean to Bryan in any way!

[wonderwaiter]

Huh? I don't get it. Jordan didn't say anything that wasn't supportive.

[Jordan Catalano]

And you assuming because Bryan is disabled that he's contemplating suicide offends ME.

You're disgusting.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Has Deaf West done any other major works since BIG RIVER?

[wonderwaiter]

"I have to write something because I'm imagining Bryan as a 13 yr old who gets so much grief on these boards he's contemplating suicide- call me crazy or maybe just observant..."

You're transferring your own issues onto the rest of us. It doesn't make you crazy or observant, it just makes you neurotic and judgmental.

[broadwayworldreader]

I'm not projecting anything. I've seen Bryan get made fun of here frequently and it bothers me. Whether or not he has a disability, its inappropriate. Alas, the problem with writing is you can't tell the tone of voice. Jordan, apologies for the accusation. I'm writing in as someone who also has a learning disability and wouldn't want to be in a position on here where I was being made of.

[Jordan Catalano]

And do tell, what was wrong with the "tone" of my writing?

Ask anyone here - ANYONE who even attempts to say something negative about Bryan will incur my wrath.

And you've turned this thread into something pretty awful, I hope you're proud of yourself.

[LizzieCurry]

Has Deaf West done any other major works since BIG RIVER?

Pippin, but it paled in comparison.

[broadwayworldreader]

Nothing was wrong with the tone. Except that one might be able to misconstrue your words.

[Jordan Catalano]

How could my words be misconstrued? Seriously?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Bryan, I wish I could offer you some actual advice and answers, but the best I can give you is this:

I'm not sure what type of learning disability you have and it may be more serious than the disability in this story, but it isn't any of my business.

My acting mentor and his wife suffer from a very severe dyslexia, even now in their Golden Years. However, he understudied Joel Grey in the original CABARET and went onto appear in the films of WEST SIDE STORY and the Roz Russell GYPSY!. She was a Kit Kat girl in the original production, where they met and fell in love.

Two people who couldn't comprehend a single sentence without each reading it twenty times, went on to lead remarkable lives. Now, in their "retirement", they mostly work as producers. But they're two of the most wonderful and brilliant people I know.

I know it isn't much, but perhaps that can offer you a silver lining to look at.

If you ever need someone to talk to, never hesitate to hit the "private message" button and say hello. Keep your chin up. I look forward to seeing you on stage someday.

[broadwayworldreader]

I've read this thread long enough to know that you are smarter than that. I'm not playing into your instigation. I have already apologized. If there's something more you need clarification on feel free to pm me.

[bwayphreak234]

I just read through this thread and I was pretty startled when I got to your post broadwayworldreader... No one said anything other than kind and helpful words. I have no idea how anyone's posts and answers could be misconstrued.

[iluvtheatertrash]

I hope no one minds, but I'm going to ignore the rest of the conversation on this thread and just focus on addressing Bryan's original post.

But I will say: Jordan said nothing wrong.

Back to our regular programming.

[Jordan Catalano]

Exactly. I'm sorry for that person, Bryan. Back to what you wanted to talk about. :)

[TheatreDiva90016]

They have handicapped performers at Disneyland Yea, it's not Broadway, but it IS Union work!). I just saw ALADDIN and they have a girl in an electric wheelchair as part of the ensemble. She's been part of the show since it's opening.

And Jordon said nothing wrong.

Someone else has their panties in a twist.

[dramamama611]

I guarantee you there are many people with LEARNING DISABILITIES on b'way. But, LDs cover such a wide variety of things that I'm not sure to what you are referring. MOST LDs are not something that is evident from a performance.


Jordan, in THIS thread, I love you. (Oh...there I go sticking up for you again!)

[Dollypop]

At one point people didn't take bryan seriously but once we learned he has certain challenges in life we all became pretty supportive--Jordan included.

Stop trying to start trouble when there's nothing to start.