It's funny that I read this thread when an hour earlier I came across this pic from a production of YAGMCharlie Brown and the director added roles of Peppermint Patty, Marcy, Rerun, Pig Pen, Franklin, Frieda, etc.
I just dont understand why directors choose to do shows which are number specific regarding casting and add roles, switch parts etc when there are so many other shows out there which REQUIRE a larger cast.
All this does is place the emphasis of the production on the director's concept and takes it away from the material. It'd be like having a cast of 20 for Waiting for Godot...ridiculous and unnecessary