Darren Criss, the first Asian American to win a Tony Award for a Leading Actor in a Musical for “Maybe Happy Ending,” will take a leave of absence from the musical after Aug. 31, but will resume his role in the fall.
It was previously announced that Andrew Barth Feldman would replace Criss, who became the first Asian American axctor to win the Tony. Criss is part Filipino and has Honolulu ties. Feldman is white – cause of the concern from some critics sinnce there’s a scarcity of Asian roles for actors.
But because Criss also is a co-producer of the Korean musical, it was simple to resolve the controversy, by proclaiming his nine-weak leave will be temporary, and that he will return to the show on Nov. 5.
The Broadway cast features Helen J Shen and Criss starring as, respectively, Claire and Oliver, South Korea-based Helperbots deemed obsolete. The pair form an unlikely bond, setting off a surprising and romantic adventure, earning its Best Musical laurels earlier this year.
Several Hawaii actors remember that Criss attended a local school, and thus qualifies as an island-winner of two Tonys this year, one for his acting, and the other for his producing…
‘Hamilton’ reclaims No. 1 spot on weekly grosses
“Hamilton,” celebrating its 10th anniversary, surged back to No. 1, earning $2.197 million.
Which means “Wicked,” which has regularly ruled the charts, dipped to No. 2.
“The Lion King,” a dependable player week after week, found itself in the No 3 slot.
And “Gypsy,” in its closing week, logged its best numbers, claiming the No. 4 position, its best week of a challenging season.
The Top 10:
1—”Hamilton,” $2.197 million
2—”Wicked,” $2.018 million
3—”The Lion King,” $1.948 million
4—”Gypsy,” $1.607 million
5—”Mamma Mia!,” $1.606 million
6—”Maybe Happy Ending,” $1.373 million
7—”Just In Time,” $1.293 million
8—”Aladdin,” $1.273 million
9—”Death Becomes Her,” $1.238 million
10—”MJ the Musical,” $1.228 million
The complete list, courtesy the Broadway League:
And that’s Show Biz…