Overview

• Producers confirmed Feldman will succeed Darren Criss as Oliver from Sept. 2 through Nov. 1.
• The recasting has drawn criticism from Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander artists emphasizing the show’s South Korea setting.
• The Asian American Performers Action Coalition issued a statement expressing profound disappointment and warning the decision undermines AANHPI representation.
• Creators Will Aronson and Hue Park defended the choice by highlighting the show’s allegorical, color-blind approach to casting.
• Cast members have offered nuanced responses, with Helen J. Shen acknowledging community hurt even as she welcomed Feldman and Conrad Ricamora launching a scholarship for male AANHPI actors.