The Full Monty- Horse

[DirectorRon]

A theatre group I am part of is planning to produce The Full Monty. The part of Horse is a role that quite obviously should be played by a black male, hence the song "Big Black Man" and quite a bit of the dialog. In some of my research I've seen that some companies have done this show without a black man. How do they do it? Do they change the dialog and remove the song?
Any suggestions and/or advice is sincerely appreciated!
-Ron

[Sirgallawho64]

No, The part of Horse should be played by a black man, because the humor of having a song called "Big Black Man" You might want to have a black guy.

[DirectorRon]

I fully agree, Gallawho. And believe me, I would certainly prefer the part to be played by a black man since it's how the part is intended by the playwrite. But what I'm asking is HOW did the groups that didn't use a black man get around that?

[Sirgallawho64]

Most Likely they cut the song from the production, because even though "Big Black Man" is Horse's biggest number he is still in "The Goods" as well.

[DirectorRon]

I guess that would mean they also altered or cut quite a few lines as there are several references to his race and "expected" features. That's really too bad since it really adds to the reality of stereotypes in today's society.

[Sirgallawho64]

Definatlely. I think that the part of Horse should be played by a black man end of topic.