There’s one thing I’ve been wondering for a while about Rebecca Das Musical. Ben has never to my knowledge been played by a disabled and/or neurodivergent actor. I know that disabilities like autism, Down’s syndrome, etc. weren’t diagnosable in the 1930s when the book was originally written, but it’s very heavily implied to the point where it’s canon that he’s disabled. Michael Kunze even described him as such in his 2003 English demos (albeit with the r slur). I get that not many people with severe disabilities are able to sing in a way that’s required for a musical, but surely there’s plenty of others out there who can. If I ever were to direct a production of Rebecca, I’d go that route casting wise.
On that note, I think it would also be interesting if “I” was played by a disabled actress. It would add another layer as to why she feels so othered at Manderley and why she’s so insecure, especially in the Lonbecca script that restores her speech from the book about how she believes Maxim is only giving her the time of day out of charity. She would feel like she can’t compare to someone like Rebecca because she comes from a lower social status as well as the fact that she has a visible disability.
Hint hint, nudge nudge, VBW please cast me. I’m legally blind and have Tourette’s. If I were ever given the opportunity to play “I”, I’d spread this agenda so hard đź¤
