University of Utah theater program again faces criticism about representation and casting, cancels show
Students raised concerns about a musical number usually performed by a Black actor, by a cast without any Black members.
(Photo courtesy of Cast A of Songs for a New World ) The University of Utah Department of Theatre canceled performances of Songs for a New World after the cast raised questions about race and representation. The musical includes a character usually played by a Black performer, but there were no Black students in the cast. | Updated: April 2, 2021, 1:50 p.m.
The University of Utah’s theater department has canceled its production of “Songs for a New World.” Instead of performances continuing through Saturday, the theater is dark, the cast is at home, and there are no plans to present the show at the U. at anytime in the future.