By request, some student sources are kept anonymous to protect their position in the theater program or to prevent scrutiny. Anonymous sources are each provided with a different number for differentiation.

Soon to end his second year as director of Mounds View’s theater program, Irondale graduate Matthew Van Bruggen has recently faced controversy following the decision to cast white actresses for lead roles over Black actresses.

The controversy

The spring musical, based on the 1997 live-action Cinderella starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, is often cast with two Black leads, as in the film. “We have the Enchanted version, which is the one based on the ‘90s movie, which was such a landmark for Black people in media,” said Theater Member 1. “Brandy was our first Black Cinderella, [our] first Black princess. That was such a big thing for representation, especially in the United States.”

Upon the announcement of the spring musical, many looked forward to a chance to showcase that representation on Mounds View’s stage. “I remember me and other Black members of the cast, we were so excited that this was, this was our time, this is our time to shine. Usually, there’s no representation in our theater department,” said junior Natavia Griffin.

It seems that the writers of the musical also intended for the show to feature a diverse cast. The beginning of the script contains an inclusion statement: “In this show, the race of the characters is not pivotal to the plot. We encourage you to consider diversity and inclusion in your casting choices.”

Three Black actresses, Griffin, junior Zariyah Howell and junior Jayda McAdams, auditioned for roles in the cast. None of them got speaking roles, and both Griffin and McAdams were instead cast as understudies. Griffin has since decided to drop that role. “I dropped the understudy role […] because the representation and toxicity […] and just the fact that I would have to be at every single practice that Cinderella was at.” Senior Hridaya Ghosh, who was cast as Fairy Godmother, was the only person of color cast in a speaking role. 

The decision to select this particular version of Cinderella, without opting for diverse casting, has led to questioning of Van Bruggen’s motives. “[Diverse casting] is not a requirement for the show, of course, but I just think it’s kind of weird. Why would you choose that specific show?” said Theater Member 2.

Van Bruggen responded to these comments, claiming that the Enchanted version was chosen to offer a “fresh and captivating experience” for the actors and audience. “It aligns with our goal of presenting productions that are both entertaining and meaningful, allowing students to explore timeless themes such as kindness, resilience and the power of dreams,” he said.

In response to criticism of the casting choice, Van Bruggen said, “I understand and deeply respect the concerns raised about representation in our production of Cinderella. It’s important to acknowledge the significance of this version for Black representation, and I want to assure everyone that our casting decisions were made to strive to provide opportunities for all students, regardless of race, to showcase their talents and be part of our productions. I am committed to listening to feedback, learning from this experience, and implementing changes to ensure all students feel seen, heard, and valued in our future productions.”

“Typecasting”

Many theater students believe that the artistic team had a cast planned before auditions even took place. “[Van Bruggen] chose this version with a specific person in mind to be Cinderella that is a white person. And that just feels really racist to me,” said Theater Member 3. 

According to some theater students, casting choices have been controversial before this show, accusing the artistic team of typecasting, a common concern in the industry, which refers to casting actors in roles that closely resemble ones they have played before.

“If you look at previous cast lists, it is the most typecasted. This show especially. I knew every single person […] what role they were gonna get. It’s kind of insane,” said Theater Member 2. “It’s the same exact people every time, and it’s not like they’re the only people auditioning. There’s a lot of other talented people auditioning.”

Van Bruggen responded to these allegations, stating, “As this is only my second year as the director, I have cast a total of four productions since I began. As shared with those auditioning, all shows have been cast by a team of people to include the assistant director, music director and choreographer, depending on the production.”

Principal Reetz’s response

In response to the tension, Principal Rob Reetz explained how he met with the cast to discuss dignity as a value of Mounds View and how he views gossip as a dignity violation. While he anticipated everyone involved in the spring musical would be there, it turned out to solely be the cast. Van Bruggen was also not present. 

Reetz explained how he isn’t in a position to involve himself in the casting decisions and still believes those who were cast are “incredibly talented and worthy of the role they got.” “I would never tell a coach who to start. I would never tell a theater director who to cast,” he said.

Still, like most, Reetz acknowledges the argument against the casting choice. “If I’m in a position of choosing these things, given the training I’ve had, the lens I have on wanting to create an inclusive school, I may have done some things differently.”

Many students involved in theater have not brought their complaints to administrators, citing fear of punishment from Van Bruggen, including losing their roles. “I have been too scared, to be completely honest, because I do not want to jeopardize my role in this production,” said Theater Member 1.  

Nevertheless, Reetz said that feedback would be necessary for any action against Van Bruggen. “If people are concerned, they should come talk to both myself and Mr. Galvin. Because at the end of the day, those are the two people that want to know what the student experience is like,” he said. Additionally, Reetz highlighted the significance of the seasonal activity surveys sent to students and parents in evaluating leadership.

It is important to note that few theater members deny that senior Eva Manrodt, who was cast as Cinderella, is undeserving of her role. “I defend the people in the cast in their roles. I do believe that those people are deserving of their roles,” said Theater Member 4. 

While there is a minority of students who approve of his leadership, most want to see Van Bruggen take accountability for the casting decisions. “The problem has never been anyone in the cast […] it is literally only Mr. Van Bruggen,” said Theater Member 1. 

This story may be developing and could be updated on mvviewer.org.