#JusticeForOak
I’m sure anyone who’s part of the theatre community and Great Comet fandom have heard the news the Mandy Patinkin will be the next Pierre in “Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812”. Here’s my issue. Okieriete “Oak” Onaodowan will end his run in the show 3 WEEKS EARLY in order for the show’s team to work around Patinkin’s schedule for the TV show “Homeland”. Oak’s original contract had him set to play the role of Pierre from July 3-September 4. That’s 9 weeks of performances. However, due to some issues, his debut in the show got pushed back to July 11, shortening his run to 8 weeks. Now with Mandy Patinkin’s return to Broadway, he will step into the role as Pierre from August 15-September 3 for 3 weeks. This has left Oak with close to 5 weeks of performances in “The Great Comet of 1812”. As of right now, he is in the middle of his 3rd week. Because of this casting choice and minor pushback before he even stepped onstage, Oak’s run has practically been cut in half from what it initially was. Yes he has agreed to do it with no hard feelings but it’s not fair! He shouldn’t have to be pushed out because another actor with more recognition can have a shot before hd even finished! It’s not fair to him and it’s not fair to his fans who planned to see him during those last 3 weeks! I’m not blaming Mandy or Dave or Rachael or anybody else. I understand this isn’t a race thing. I understand this isn’t really anyone’s fault and it’s all about making money. I understand Oak is still getting paid. But none of that changes the fact that’s it’s a SHITTY MOVE! The team hopes that he’ll be back after Mandy is gone. Key word: “Hopes”! There is no guarantee he’s coming back! THERE’S NO PROMISE! He was a perfect follow up to Josh Groban but now he has to be pushed aside to make room for Inigo Montoya…I don’t know if Mandy auditioned or they asked him if he was interested but if there was going to be such a scheduling conflict, this could’ve waited until his calendar was clear.