I asked lyricist and book writer Brian Crawley about this. After consulting with composer Andrew Lippa, he has updated the entry in the MTI materials to clarify their intentions. You can read it there, but here's the note at the top of the casting breakdown:
The descriptions of the set and characters reflect the original production, and are intended to help the reader imagine the piece as they read. They are not intended to restrict how a licensee stages or casts the show. The only restriction is to perform the book, music and lyrics as written.
We have noted the gender of the character. It is not the required gender identity of the actor playing the role.
The authors support and encourage an inclusive and diverse approach to casting, in terms of gender identity, race, heritage, and physical abilities. In the breakdown, we have noted our preference that Aljana and Pasko be Black actors. Originally we cast also a corps of dancers who were actors of color, who took on various roles throughout the piece, as Londoners and as western African persons. St. Louis in Africa might be thought of as a bit like New Orleans in America; it was a port town which drew people with wares to trade or export from nations all over western Africa, as well as from Europe, especially France and England. Because of the many languages and traditions of those who lived there, St. Louis developed a unique and diverse culture.
So yes, diverse casting is absolutely encouraged. The only way you would be going against the creators' intentions would be to fail to cast Black actors in those two roles, but otherwise you are not restricted.
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Tim Peierls
president
NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2023 13:23
From: Kelly Komlen
Subject: A Little Princess casting
Hello -
I'm considering producing A Little Princess at my high school this year.
I'm pausing because there are only two roles for actors of color. Has anyone found a way around this? (Or see a way around it?) Casting actors of color in roles other than just Aljana and Pasko? Or would that just not make sense?
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Kelly Komlen
Theatre Director
Ferndale High School
MI
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