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Furious row erupts as controversial TV star Kerri-Anne Kennerley is cast in a major musical with a black American performer who was brought in from overseas - despite an abundance of Aussie talent desperate for work

Australian actors claim they have been snubbed after an American performer was cast in Pippin alongside controversial former TV broadcaster Kerri-Anne Kennerley. 

The lineup for the hit Broadway musical - due to take to the stage at Sydney Lyric Theatre next month - sparked criticism when it was announced on Thursday. 

Some social media users were furious to learn Kennerley would play the role of Grandma Berthe next to a black performer.

American actress Gabrielle McClinton has been cast as the lead ringmaster in the show. She has previously played the role on Broadway.

Kerri-Anne Kennerley (pictured in August last year) has been cast as Grandma Berthe in Pippin

Kerri-Anne Kennerley (pictured in August last year) has been cast as Grandma Berthe in Pippin

But the union for Australian performers quickly criticised production company Gordon Frost Organisation for choosing McClinton instead of homegrown talent during the coronavirus pandemic.

'The decision to cast an international actor to play the lead in a new production of the musical Pippin is another snub of the enormous well of Australian theatrical talent,' a Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance statement read.

The MEAA said they wrote to GFO to inform them that the Equity National Performers Committee was not in a position to approve the import of an overseas performer.

MEAA Chief Executive Paul Murphy said it was disappointing GFO decided to go ahead with their casting decision.

'It is a huge let down that at a time when so many Australian performers are without work the producers say they could not find a suitable locally based person for the role,' he said. 

'This is an opportunity for GFO to formally acknowledge the lack of inclusion in our industry and adopt cultural competency in their productions.

American actress Gabrielle McClinton (pictured at Broadway on The Hudson) has been cast as the lead ringmaster in the show. She has previously played the role on Broadway

American actress Gabrielle McClinton (pictured at Broadway on The Hudson) has been cast as the lead ringmaster in the show. She has previously played the role on Broadway

'It is important GFO recognises that moving forward there needs to be a formal agreement to ensure transparency and inclusion.

'MEAA Equity will use the consultation to ensure opportunities and commitments are in place for our incredible local performers and artists who are First Nations and People of Colour.'

Following the cast announcement on Thursday, theatre fans took to Twitter to share their disapproval. 

'Unbelievable. I want a refund on my tickets now,' one person wrote.

Kennerley told The Australian she was 'blissfully unaware' of the backlash.

Social media users were furious to learn Kennerley would play the role of Grandma Berthe next to a black performer

Social media users were furious to learn Kennerley would play the role of Grandma Berthe next to a black performer

'It matters not,' the 67-year-old said.

'The broadcast authorities spent months investigating and I was cleared.

'I am delighted to be doing Pippin; it's wonderful to have jobs back for the theatre industry.'

It comes after Kennerley was made redundant from Studio 10 in August. 

Kennerley fought back tears as she addressed her sacking live on air, less than 24 hours after losing her job in a cost-cutting measure. 

The TV veteran acknowledged that the coronavirus pandemic had made it necessary to tighten the budget, and thanked her friends and colleagues for their support.

The union for Australian performers quickly criticised production company Gordon Frost Organisation (GFO) for choosing McClinton instead of homegrown talent during the coronavirus pandemic

The union for Australian performers quickly criticised production company Gordon Frost Organisation for choosing McClinton instead of homegrown talent during the coronavirus pandemic

'I just know I'm back on the 'lazy Susan' of television. Yeah, it's very, very tough for a lot of people,' she began.

'But I've always worked on a personal level, the Charles Darwin theory that says to survive you don't need to be the most intelligent, you don't have to be the strongest, but you have to be, to survive, the most adaptable,' she added. 

Kennerley, who was axed from Channel 10 along with 25 other staff members, went on to say just how much she treasures the friendships she's made along the way.

'I've had a ball! And the reason why I've got this outfit today is because, if you're being run out of town, get in front of the parade or get in front of the crowd and make it look like a parade!' she said with a salute.

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