Olivier nominee Sierra Boggess, who had been announced to play Maria in an August 11 concert version of the classic American musical West Side Story, has withdrawn from the evening.
Boggess, who is currently starring opposite four-time Tony winner Boyd Gaines in the world premiere of The Age of Innocence at Hartford Stage, announced her decision on Facebook, explaining, “After much reflection, I've realized that if I were to do this concert, it would once again deny Latinas the opportunity to sing this score, as well as deny the IMPORTANCE of seeing themselves represented onstage. And that would be a huge mistake. Since the announcement of this concert, I have had many conversations about why this is a crucial time, now more than ever, to not perpetuate the miscasting of the show. I apologize for not coming to this realization sooner and as an artist, I must ask myself how I can best serve the world, and in this case my choice is clearer than ever: to step aside and allow an opportunity to correct a wrong that has been done for years with the show in particular.”
Read Boggess’ complete statement below:
The August 11 performance is part of the Proms 2018 series of concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall.
Boggess (The Little Mermaid, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, School of Rock) had been scheduled to star opposite Ross Lekites as Tony with students from ArtsEd and Mountview theatre schools. John Wilson will conduct the John Wilson Orchestra. No other casting has been announced.
Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim's West Side Story debuted on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre in September 1957. The classic Bernstein-Sondheim score boasts such tunes as "Tonight," "America," "Maria," "I Feel Pretty," and "Somewhere."
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