PROJECT #1 CASTING STATEMENT

Set in “NOW” New York City the musical Company lends itself to embrace some of the diversity of New York. Being hailed as one of the most diverse cities on the planet it is highly likely that on the island of Manhattan alone there resides nearly every nationality on earth. And although immigration to New York City has declined since the 1800’s, every year peoples from the world over make this city their new home. These immigrants raise their children in the middle of great diversity, which in turn will create major cultural differences from generation to generation. Knowing what we know about New York City and the city’s success as a veritable melting pot it seems safe to assume that Robert, his friends and his love interests could be played by any race. Nothing in the character descriptions gives any regards to races. However, only one exchange in the entire play clues us in on the racial specifics of these characters. This takes place on a date between Marta and Robert…

MARTA: How many Puerto Ricans do you know?

ROBERT: I’m not sure.

MARTA: How many blacks?

ROBERT: Well, very few, actually. I seem to meet people only like myself.

Right off the bat we realize that our lead Robert cannot be either African American or Hispanic, or at least noticeably Hispanic (in the 2006 revival the part of Robert was played by Raul Esparza, the son of Cuban American parents). Also the last line of this exchange gives us a clue as to the racial identities of the rest of the cast. By Robert saying “I seem to meet people only like myself.” automatically makes the majority of the cast the same race as Robert. It’s true that New York City is significantly diverse but the truth is that this particular play is set amongst successful upper middle class New Yorkers. The play may be set in New York and undoubtly the unlisted character in this play is New York City but what this play really revolves around is the world of Robert and the friends that inhabit that world, and it would be safe to assume, given the clues in the script that the world of Robert is a financially comfortable one. When looking at wealth demographics across the United States it is clear that the upper class has steadily remained white, mostly from "old money". There are references throughout the script to money and wealth and very few of the characters in this show appear to be struggling. In the opening scene when Robert is receiving presents Amy, who is engaged to Paul, presents us with a clue into their economic standing…

AMY: (bringing her present to ROBERT) Here’s from Paul and me. If I were you, I would take it back and get the money. It cost so much I fainted.

PAUL: It did not Robert. It’s a sweater.

AMY: You told him what it was! (To ROBERT) Well, when I saw the price tag, I thought it was a house.

Directly following this dialogue is Joanne, her line is far more to the point…

JOANNE: That is I, Miss. I am very rich and I am married to him (Indicates her husband) and I’d introduce him but I forgot his name.

It isn’t until closer to the end of the play that we hear directly from Robert (after he’s had a few drinks) his views on wealth…

ROBERT: (calling after LARRY) I got the check. Damn. I know he’s off to pay the check. Or maybe buy the place. It is a comfort to have rich friends. But I do like to pay some of the time.

This is not to say that every character is this play should be Caucasian or that only Caucasians can be wealthy in New York City. Robert could easily have friends of another race and when casting the play it is at all possible to cast different races but based on the text and facts about the upper middle class, which is the social setting of this musical, it would make the most sense to keep Caucasians the majority of of this cast.