Today, Actors' Equity Association named If/Then recipient of the Extraordinary Excellence in Diversity on Broadway Award for the 2013–14 theatrical season. Presented by Equity’s Eastern Region Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committee, the award honors shows that exemplify and promote the union’s founding principles of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all who work in the theatre.
Accepting the award on behalf of the If/Then producers and creative team was the production’s Casting Director, Bernard Telsey.
“Michael Greif, Tom Kitt, Brian Yorkey and David Stone wanted to create a realistic representation of New York City. And since no city is more diverse than New York, it was essential to them that we bring that to life on stage – and not just in one or two roles,” said Telsey. He contined: “Since this city has the most incredible actors around, it was a joy to get to work on a project in which diversity was a part of its fabric. Thank you, Actors’ Equity, for recognizing this!”
“We are truly honored to acknowledge If/Then’s extraordinary excellence in diversity,” said EEO Committee Co-Chair Christine Toy Johnson. “The artistic choice to capture the contemporary world of New York City with a cast portrayal inclusive of various ethnicities and the LGBT community provides audiences with a more authentic view than is typically seen on the Broadway stage. If/Then is our city."
If/Then, which stars Tony winner Idina Menzel, is a musical that follows two parallel, distinct storylines of choice and chance in the life of Elizabeth, a city planner who moves back to New York City to start anew.
Past recipients of the Extraordinary Excellence in Diversity on Broadway Award are 110 in the Shade and Les Misérables (2006–07), Billy Elliot (2008–09), American Idiot (2009–10), The Merchant of Venice (2010–11), A Streetcar Named Desire (2011–12) and Cinderella and The Trip to Bountiful (2012–13). Note: the award was not presented in 2007–08 season.
