MPAA Rating for Scottsboro Boys

[heo1128]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 2:46am

I'm hoping to catch The Scottsboro Boys at The Guthrie this summer. I'd like to take my dad, but he gets really uncomfortable with R-rated situations. There's a little disclaimer on The Guthrie website that says "This production contains nudity" so, my question: what MPAA rating would you give The Scottsboro boys? Is there anything cringe-worthy in the company of a parent?

[StageManager2]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 3:10am

prude!

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 8:43am

LMAO, what?

The nudity is way in the back and barely lit. You can't see anything.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 9:49am

I just have to chime in. It amazes how we are still worried about nudity on stage and in the movies. It is frightening that we are so worried about seeing the human body. Like it is some taboo.

[heo1128]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 10:20am

So I'm gathering there's nothing to worry about?

[Pippin]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 11:28am

no- nothing to worry about. it lasts 15 seconds, and is far far upstage.

[greensgreens]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 11:34am

Wow! I don't remember any nudity and I was sitting in the second row. I would say it's very well hidden.

And, seriously, if your father (and the conservative audience here in MN) can handle the basic premise of the show (rape accusations and the general dysfunction of our justice system), I think they candle a glimpse of skin. It's not like this is Showgirls or anything.

[minneapolis_theater]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 3:58pm

The nudity in The Scottsboro Boys is brief.

Midway through the show, eight actors stand silhouetted against the upstage backdrop. They change into their prison costumes, as a scene takes place downstage of them. Stripping completely during the scene, you see their backsides for less than a minute. Some auds might not even notice, especially if they are seated in the back of the theater

It’s tastefully done, not gratuitous by any means, and not directly lit ...

and yes, I agree with greensgreens that if you can handle the premise of the show that he'll be fine.

(Are MN audiences really though of as conservative? Guess you missed that the Guthrie did Kushner's Intelligent Homosexual's Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures ... )
Guthrie Theater

[heo1128]

Posted: 4/26/10 at 7:51pm

Great, thanks for the responses! Sounds like it'll be fine. I'm really looking forward to the show!!

[greensgreens]

Posted: 4/27/10 at 12:20pm

Oh, I saw the Kushner business and M. Butterfly and still believe audiences here in MN are predominantly conservative - especially the blue-haired crowd that often dominates the demographic of any given Guthrie performance.

Sure, they'll pay lip service to the Guthrie as groundbreaking and innovative; but they squirm in their seats, whisper borderline offensive or generally clueless comments, and leave at intermission like it's going out of style. The two performances of Intelligent Homosexual I attended appeared to have intermission walkout rates of 25-33% (I just eyeballed, mind you) - however, the material was kinda inaccessible - so that could have contributed - but I have a feeling most left b/c of the content.

On the other hand, MN also has very devoted individuals who are always up for being challenged by the material - both in its content and form. But, it always seems the audiences are very polarized. I have a feeling Scottsboro Boys will play very well since it panders to both sides - big, broad, accessible musical comedy and a serious message. But, it should. It's a damned good show and deserves to find a solid audience.