DEH Zoe understudies question

[Harpz2006]

Im just curious about this and apologize if it comes off insensitive in any way. When Olivia Puckett (when she covered the role on Broadway) or Ciara Alyse Harris (on tour), both African American women, play Zoe Murphy, does it add a layer to the plot that Connor was presumably the Murphys biological child, and Zoe had been adopted? Im not saying this makes either parental/child bond more significant, but I feel like it potentially adds another complex dynamic to the family. Or, is it something that as a viewer of the show, you dont really think about?

[dramamama611]

Each audience member will have a different reaction. However, since, zoe isnt the "problem child" I would expect only those that cant see beyond color would question it. (But i understand your question)

[dmwnc1959]

There may be spoilers ahead...

I truly wasn’t expecting that cast change before going in, and her being African American when the rest of the family is Caucasian did add, as you said, a complex dynamic I previously didn’t have to consider. I guess at that point the audience has to assume Zoe is adopted. It’s hard to ignore she’s African American. You can’t pretend she’s white and move on in your minds eye. And then you think maybe that’s why Connor is that way, or jealous, didn’t talk to her, or some other issues. Why is she normal and he’s screwed up. Rebellious. An outcast. Was it because of Zoe being adopted, or was he this way from birth? Or as a child. When was Zoe adopted? Part of the dialogue mentions Connor in the 2nd grade throwing a typewriter at a teacher. Complex dynamic indeed.

[Harpz2006]

Thanks for your reply! Your comment in the other thread about having the understudy made me think of this question. I appreciate the previous poster’s point about some people being able to “see beyond color”, but I think in this day and age we have to accept the reality that race does have an impact on your life, your perspective, certain privileges you receive or don’t received, etc. I don’t think the fact that you thought so deeply about it, says anything negative about your ability to “see beyond color.” Thanks again for sharing!

[dmwnc1959]

Glad to help. My neighbors across the street, the musical loving mom and her musical loving 13yo daughter, went to this evening’s performance. I know they had a different Evan, and when they get home tomorrow I’ll ask who they had as Zoe. It’ll be interesting to get both their perspectives on comparing cast and the show’s family relationships.

[Eliza2]

dmwnc1959 said: "Glad to help. My neighbors across the street, the musical loving mom and her musical loving 13yo daughter, went to this evening’s performance. I know they had a different Evan, and when they get home tomorrow I’ll ask who they had as Zoe. It’ll be interesting to get both their perspectives on comparing cast and the show’s family relationships."

Ciara was on as Zoe for both shows today. And Maria Wirries, the other Zoe / Alana understudy, was on for both shows yesterday (she is also African-American)

[dmwnc1959]

^ ^ ^ THANKS! If you were at the evening performance I’d love to hear your thoughts if any about Zoe (in this thread) as well as the rest of the show...

https://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1115713&dt=12

[Broadway Bob*]

I was at the final Pittsburgh performance, so saw Ciara. She was incredible and, though nothing was ever said, of course, my mind filled in the adoption idea (too many episodes watched of "This Is Us"? LOL!) which led to two very interesting subtext moments - 1) When Evan was describing the things he loved about Zoe, but making them into Connor's thoughts, there was a bit of a "was my adopted brother in love with me" vibe and 2) When Zoe has her meltdown about "Always about Connor" there was another layer of slight, possible adopted child envy of natural child. Didn't detract in any way and, as stated somewhere above, I thought it brought some new subtextual layers to the proceedings. Just my 2 cents.

[Golenboybway]

Very excited to see thoughts on the first completely black Zoe on broadway. Olivia was mixed and phenomenal, but there hasn’t been a black Zoe on broadway in a very long time. Diamond Essence White will be On tomorrow night for the first time.

[Alex M]

Aren’t you the 9th cast member?

[JSquared2]

Golenboybway said: "Very excited to see thoughts on the first completely black Zoe on broadway.

 

Wow.  Just...wow.

 

[gleek4114]

Not really adding to the conversation here, but I was curious, is it just me, or is Maggie McKenna missing an obscene amount of performances on tour? I saw it four times in Cincinnati and saw her once, this spanned over two weeks of performances. From what others are saying, Ciara and Maria are going on pretty steadily still. McKenna was great, but I personally enjoyed Ciara more (I saw her 3 times). Maybe I’m completely off base and McKenna is just having a rough few weeks, but it just seems odd.