Stephen Colbert joke ignites anger in the theatre community
A joke featured on Late Night with Stephen Colbert is causing outrage among the theatre community. The joke was intended to mock the hate group, the Proud Boys, for using “Proud of Your Boy” from Aladdin as their anthem. However, the joke targeted not only the show’s star Adam Jacobs but also the idea of masculinity in theatre. Many in the Broadway community are calling for an apology from the show.
Here is the clip below which was captured by Jacobs.
Jacob also wrote,
“Not funny @colbertlateshow. I understand the point you were trying to make with the Proud Boys, but completely emasculating me, mocking my work (and all musical theatre artists) all while using my image without my permission, is a poor way to go about it. I had always thought @stephenathome was a friend to the Broadway community, but it sure doesn’t seem like it in this clip. #PoorTaste”
Many in the Broadway community also commented on the post.
Rachel Tucker said, “This is so fucking infuriating and unbelievable the team @colbertlateshow not only wrote but ok’d this!???? Wtf? Like didn’t they think this one through? Sorry @adamjacobsnyc xxx”
James Monroe Iglehart, who co-starred with Jacobs and won a Tony for the role of the Genie, said, “Absolutely wrong! The @colbertlateshow should know better!”
Michael James Scott, who also has played the Genie, said, “THIS IS HORRIBLE ADAM! I’m so sorry friend and @colbertlateshow this is really beyond disappointing and not only rude but just plain pathetic to mock such an incredibly brilliant man’s work at his expense and WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION using his image associating something like in the insanity that is the Proud Boys. #PoorTaste”
Here’s my take - I completely agree with where Jacobs is coming from. I know what Colbert and the writers(some of whom I know are hardcore theatre fans) intended with that joke. But mocking masculinity in theatre is not the route I would have taken and only perpetuates dangerous stereotypes.
With the progress we’ve made in beating back toxic masculinity and breaking down stigmas regarding participation in theatre, this seems like a step backward. I hope that the show does make some sort of apology.