ALL OF THIS IS MY OPINION.
Let’s be clear, I am a white, male stage manager (of a certain age, of a specific sexual orientation). This is my opinion, and I am sure other people will have much more to say about this.
First off, let’s ask an interesting question, was it racist not to hire a African-American Director and Stage Manager for an African-American Musical? Just wondering. [There is a topic that could be an entire thread on it’s own - sexism and racism in stage management, especially commercial projects.]
Second off, what would I do? Hmmm, interesting issue. Is this director of a certain age? A different generation? There might be little you can do other then suck it up - you aren’t going to be able change someone’s racist viewpoints and personality in two weeks.
I think, in hindsight, I would have played dumb, and asked the director “What do you mean?”, “How so?”, “I am not familiar with that saying” to the point that the director would have to realize that they were being racist. (play really dense playing that you yourself didn’t understand the stereotype.)
I think, again if I wasn’t speechless, I think I also would have said, and this is a personal thing based upon my SM style and personality - “I don’t like to make assumptions about possible problems with casts until a specific situation arises, I am always afraid of assumptions like that might become self fulfilling prophecies. In the two weeks, I am sure a whole hosts of issues will arise, I don’t want to make some up for based upon a stereotype.” Or, again, depending on my relationship with the director, I might have said (based on my irreverent personality) “It’s 2010, did you just say that?”. But again, totally depends on the situation and the power structure in the room.
Now, if these assumptions were made based upon certain individuals . . . like they cast Bob, Sarah, and Jessie, the director has worked with Bob, Sarah and Jessie, and working with Bob, Sarah and Jessie can be a bit like “Sunday in Church”, then perhaps this would be a different conversation.
If you don’t feel comfortable, think of how the cast is going to feel with this director.
Is there someone other then director you can express your concerns? A producer? It might be wise to lay a little ground work, because this situation may grow and fester. This person is a mentor, and I am sure someone in this organization is going to want to know of this particular issue.
And depending on what comes out of this . . . it will be nice to start the paper trail early.