Musicals that SHOULDN"T be done in high schools...but have...- Page 6

[Lisalemann]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 1:58pm

I agree - I also would have preferred the racier stuff.  I lobbied my theater teacher relentlessly the summer before my senior year in high school so he would do My Fair Lady rather than The Sound of Music.  There is no way I could have pulled off Maria - but I knew I would likely get Eliza - and it worked.  

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 3:10pm

It was very interesting re-reading this thread from 2005 since I am now a high school drama teacher.

Honestly, in terms of what is "appropriate" for a high school, it completely depends on the community. Nowadays, a lot of high schools could do "adult" musicals like Rent, Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, and Chicago without any problem. By modern standards, these are all PG-13 level shows (is there a musical that isn't?), and they can definitely have educational value. However, the teacher/director at a school like mine in a relatively conservative community has to "play it safe." The most "edgy" thing I've done there is Carousel and I will admit that I edited out most of the physical abuse content. Yes, it would have been a good conversation starter, but some people just don't want to their kids to have those kinds of conversations, which is unfortunate.

I am also now the father of a young girl, and I don't want her dancing in her underwear onstage in a school show no matter how well done it is!

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 3:37pm

Updated On: 8/18/22 at 03:37 PM

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 4:53pm

"I am also now the father of a young girl, and I don't want her dancing in her underwear onstage in a school show no matter how well done it is!"

THIS!  And I will add I would not want to have seen any of my kid’s friends that way.  Nor would I want to see a student that way if I were a HS teacher.  

WITH some caveats however that I did NOT recognize when this issue came up over a year ago.  As I mentioned when I restarted this topic, in my opinion sexuality itself is not the issue.  It's whether it's necessary to make an important point.

If I were in the audience of a HS production of Gypsy, I'd be VERY uncomfortable watching the Minsky scene play out like the professional version.  I'm actually expected to applaud the HS girl being that sexually arousing (in character of course) when she finishes her act naked (supposedly) ?  

Explain to me why I needed to see that in order to understand THAT she "accidently" found her calling in show business as a stripper.  As I said, I think by definition it's gratuitous.  No issue of course for the professional play or community theater or even college.  But HS?  I don’t’ see the justification.

But that scene CAN be modified (and has been as I discovered) and the story of the relationship issues between Rose and Louise does not suffer.

As opposed to Heathers as I learned.  Some HS eliminate the “losing virginity” part of the Girl Walking.  From what I understand, that does in fact render the story a bit less impactful and so I see no issue personally (as long as they don’t’ literally simulate what they are doing, which I think would actually be illegal for HS)

Cabaret?  You can't avoid having several HS girls dressed in a provocative manner.  So I'd wonder is it really worth doing a play that might make parents and teachers uncomfortable ONLY because it's famous?  Or am I missing some important message for HS students the play conveys that makes that potential controversy worth it?  If so, I'm very open to changing my mind. 

I’ve come a long way in the last 18 months on this topic.  But to me some directors perhaps think of themselves as being at a level higher than HS.  Thinking "I always wanted to do (some play) and no parent or teacher is going to stop me.”

Not realizing they'd get true support from people like me IF they can effectively show that controversy made some theatrical point pertinent to that age group.

Updated On: 11/22/21 at 04:53 PM

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 4:58pm

There's a high school version of heathers. It's her "first kiss" instead of losing her virginity.

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 5:12pm

R. GreenFinch said: "There's a high school version of heathers. It's her "first kiss" instead of losing her virginity."

And I certainly understand that modification.  The only point I'm making is the sexuality of her losing her virginity does in fact make a point regarding her desperation to feel (literally) one with someone / something.  I've only read of the play and people's comments on it, but the idea of losing one's sense of self through wanting TOO much to belong is a theme from what I understand.  And it's been argued that the "first kiss" thing (for a HS student) doesn't make that point as effectively.  So I understand a director making the case for keeping it despite the controversy.

I don't understand a HS director's reasoning for doing the Minsky scene true to the professional version.  And I'll add it was a bit of a sore point for me because (on a different discussion forum) I was (vulgarly) criticized for that opinion

Updated On: 11/22/21 at 05:12 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 8:33pm

Fun fact: I was in a drama camp production of Cabaret when I was thirteen and my parents were so upset by the teenage Kit Kat girls’ costumes and choreography that they didn’t let me go back again. We also all shared a dressing room, which I rather enjoyed.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 8:56pm

When I saw this had been bumped I thought it might be because of the article BWW posted a few days ago about a HS production of Legally Blonde that was canceled.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/High-School-Cancels-Performances-of-LEGALLY-BLONDE-Due-To-Language-Innuendo-Concerns-20211119

Which of course was reminiscent of this story

https://www.playbill.com/article/ohio-high-school-fires-director-for-staging-legally-blonde-musical-creators-and-parents-comment-com-200907

LB is the kind of show I can imagine more uptight parents getting upset about, while being material that really isn't too adult for anyone at a high school level. But that's just me.

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/22/21 at 9:46pm

I appreciate and enjoy all the comments

To me it sort of goes with my overall opinion that evolved over the past year or so

Sexuality in a high school play may be inappropriate for some people. And how much is too much won't ever be agreed on

But I do think it can be defined

Pretending that teens don't face such issues as in Heather's is naive. Students can relate to those themes

Legally Blonde? Well it's more modern and I assume it's more the innuendo and references than anything depicted overtly. So a bit "raunchy" maybe? Again, students can relate to that

But where is the line? To me it's based on these things - is it "overt" (visually primarily). And is it gratuitous (by definition - unnecessary, inappropriate, unjustified). Lastly, is it worth the potential controversy? 

Is Cabaret worth it? The more I think of it, I'd tend to say no. It seems a director just WANTS to do it because it's iconic. Not enough of a reason to me when there are other plays (even controversial) that tell a story more pertinent to students

Regarding Gypsy - I eventually got frustrated reading comments for and against that talked past each opinion. Those against saying "a high school girl as a stripper?". Those for saying "it's about so much more!" 

Well, yeah. But the issue ISN'T the "so much more"! You do have to depict her as a stripper. But how? You CAN tell the story of Rose and her daughters and the deteriorating relationship without making us watch and applaud a high school kid's ability to perform her striptease as arousing in intent as is done in the pro play

Yet a woman who played that part by the book in high school several years ago implied anyone objecting had sexual issues. The fact that years later she was insulting to people with reasonable objections rather than see that point of view is to me another reason to avoid gratuitous sexuality in a high school play. The kids may not be prepared to deal with reasonable objection maturely

So if a high school is going to take on a controversial play or controversial scene in a play - I'd say make sure it can be defended by reasons other than "so what? or" let them have some fun" or "anyone objecting must have issues" 

 

 

Updated On: 11/22/21 at 09:46 PM

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 11:19am

I read the story about LB being cancelled last minute.  That is a HORRIBLE situation to put those kids in.  And all it will do is spawn resentment for the adults in charge.  It reminds me of the school that decided to censor every yearbook picture that showed even the tiniest bit of "cleavage".  (In quotes since the example that was publicized really wasn't what anyone would call cleavage).

What I found ironic is the idea that the theater is an extension of the classroom - wonderful way to look at it in my opinion.  And yet if it is, why were they so ignorant of the "curriculum”?  I would have NO issue with a school that worked with the drama department no different than presumably they work with all the other departments.  Not being "reactionary" like this school obviously was.

That said, there really IS a large variance in what certain communities will accept.  I do think the heads of HS drama department need to work closer with the school admin to assure there is mutual understanding.  Actually that needs to include parents and students as well.

 I do think the kids can understand there will be limits (it's HS, not professional or semi-professional).  And there SHOULD be limits.  There is PLENTY of time for students to take on more adult roles beyond high school.  They CAN have a fantastic experience in theater without almost intentionally creating negative feelings.  If the pandemic taught us anything regarding theater, it’s that it simply doesn’t exist without the audience.

But those limits have to be reasonable – not unnecessarily restrictive.  Compromise will be required on ALL sides. 

What I see in my limited reading of such issues is an unnecessary almost adversarial relationship.    Schools and parents with (maybe) good intentions not recognizing the desire for kids to explore.  But also directors and students in other cases - for no theatrical reason - almost defiantly pushing things past a line many might understandably draw.

It's all avoidable with communication and mutual respect.  There should NEVER be a controversy AFTER a production is staged or even leading up to opening night. It should be recognized and addressed ahead of time by all parties (director, students, school admin including faculty representation, and parents).

I'm kind of stuck on the "Gypsy" issue for reasons I won't get into - but I actually saw several HS promotions for it that not only didn't address the potential controversy, they even avoided the term "stripper".  One even said she found success as a "dancer".  As if ignoring the issue makes it non-existent.  Why not acknowledge it and emphasize they are focused on the true message of the play (Rose and her daughters) and assure  everyone they adjusted the scene so the issue does NOT get in the way of that? 

I was 100% against it for HS until I educated myself and realized it's a great play for that age group provided that one scene is modified.  To do it like the professional play I feel is disrespectful to parents / teachers; putting them in a position to "appreciate" (in the theatrical sense) a high school kid's ability to portray the obvious sexuality of the Minsky scene.  Given that is NOT at all the point of the story. 

The discomfort people will likely feel actually takes us out of the play.  The woman who insulted me even acknowledged people likely felt awkward, and that she did too. Yet later said anyone who felt uncomfortable watching her interpretation of the character's sexuality had issues.  She objected to being "sexualized" by my pointing out the sexuality she herself acknowledged.  Then emphasized she was simply acting.  Well, of course - it's a play!  But "suspension of disbelief" has us think of you as Gypsy, not a High School kid pretending.  She said the director made sure she was OK doing it that way - but obviously it was the director's preference.  And he/she should be fired if she wasn't OK with it.  Yet why leave a HS kid with that decision anyway?  She might worry she'd lose the part to someone willing to do it like the pro version.  

The obvious downside is her defensiveness (several years later) and willingness to lash out at anyone questioning her decision to "force' people to accept that in a high school play. 

The fact I later learned that many schools tone that down significantly made me change my mind.  I doubt their plays suffered from that decision since it doesn't add to the story.  And I assume (hope) no one in the audience was disappointed the striptease wasn't more authentic (except maybe the HS boys.)

So to me the onus is on the drama department to recognize the reality of the situation they are in - it IS high school, not pro or semi-pro.  But that doesn't sentence them to a lifetime of G rated plays either.  They can work with the school, parents, and students to create a rewarding experience and avoid the negative feelings that can arise without that partnership.

Rant over – and I apologize for the venting.  I do appreciate the implied agreement I've received from this .  More so I appreciate the continued education I’m getting - important to me as my grandkids get older (one of which is already interested in theater).

Updated On: 11/23/21 at 11:19 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 5:07pm

Naked Boys Singing

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 5:24pm

WW_LV said: "
Cabaret? You can't avoid having several HS girls dressed in a provocative manner. So I'd wonder is it really worth doing a play that might make parents and teachers uncomfortable ONLY because it's famous? Or am I missing some important message for HS students the play conveys that makes that potential controversy worth it? If so, I'm very open to changing my mind."

Well, Cabaret does teach HS students that Nazis are bad, which we've unfortunately seen in the last year and a half is still a lesson about half the high school students in the country need to learn.

 

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 5:39pm

Broadway61004 said: 

Well, Cabaret does teach HS students that Nazis are bad, which we've unfortunately seen in the last year and a half is still a lesson about half the high school students in the country need to learn.

Very true.  and yet that sort of supports my point in that for the HS, the Kit Kat girls can become an issue that detracts from the message of the play.  Is there a need for the girls  to dress and act as they do in the professional play?  I doubt it.  And yet I suspect many directors feel insulted by any suggestion they modify scenes - even those where the potential controversy does not add to message of the play. 

Which makes me wonder - what are they actually trying to accomplish?  Maybe they think directing a play "by the book" somehow speaks to their ability.  Forgetting they are ALSO a teacher.  Or should be.  (I've also learned that some schools hire directors that aren't part of the faculty.  Similar to schools that hire coaches that aren't faculty.  

 

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 5:53pm

WW_LV said: "Is there a need for the girls to dress and act as they do in the professional play?"

 

Yes

 

[Larry6417]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 6:49pm

Such disrespect for Frank Loesser.

[joevitus]

Posted: 11/23/21 at 6:57pm

Michael Bennett said: "I've also see a HORRIBLE high school production of A CHORUS LINE, where they cut all the language, changed the lyrics of "T&A" to "Boobs and Buns" added three characters to the line, and cut Paul's references to being gay.

Now really, why do the show, if you have to make such cuts?"

I remember a high school production in the '80's that replaced T&A with "This and That." Rather clever, IMO.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 10:13am

I think that so much of this depends on the director/producer who is involved in these productions. I saw a magnificent high school production of SWEENEY TODD many years ago but I just finished viewing a video of MAMMA MIA that my granddaughter just did and it was unbearable. The director didn't know what she was doing and cast everyone who auditioned and the stage was so overcrowded that you couldn't figure out which characters were speaking. The promiscuous elements of the plot were lost in the mayhem.

Before I retired I gave serious consideration to doing a high school production of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. I had the Blanche. I had the Stanley. There were any numbers of girls who could have played Stella. It would have been remarkable.  I changed my mind when a petite deaf girl transferred into the school and I did THE MIRACLE WORKER instead.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 11:25am

Rocky Horror Show, Follies, Oh Calcutta

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 12:18pm

A high school actually did Oh Calcutta??  

Maybe it's a misread of the thread title.  Which asks about plays that shouldn't be done in HS but have.

To sum up a previous post of mine - I really think most plays CAN be OK for HS provided any potential controversial elements are addressed well ahead of time between the drama department, the school, parents, and yes - students too.

So there is NO misunderstanding that blindsides the audience or the school.  Which can result in over-reactions like cancelling Legally Blonde the day before it opened.  That's horrible.

Or putting an audience in an uncomfortable position of watching HS girls in sexual situations without any explanation as to why the department feels it's necessary to tell the story (and why they feel the story is pertinent to HS students)

But Oh Calcutta?  I'd put that on a short list of "there simply is NO way to do it that's appropriate for HS".

I think most controversial plays mentioned here can be perfectly OK.  Legally Blonde, Chorus Line, Cabaret, Heathers, Gypsy.  And even Spring Awakening.  

And that's coming from a grandpa who learned a LOT after originally objecting to Gypsy for High School.  Even old f@rts like me can open their mind and see other points of view.  I wish schools, parents, students, and drama departments could all do that as well - communicate and cooperate (And yes, compromise on ALL sides).  Making theater FAR more rewarding. 

Rather than making it some adversarial relationship where the adults are pitted against the kids.

(But Oh Calcutta??)

Updated On: 11/24/21 at 12:18 PM

[MrJNLong]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 12:21pm

Always an interesting thread to come back to as a high school theatre teacher.

Since the show has been brought up more than a couple of times, I thought I'd mention the recent production of "Follies" we did at our high school earlier this year.

Up until last year, I also held the opinion (like most on this thread) that "Follies" is a show that should NEVER be done at a high school. But then...

Our beloved school's auditorium (the community's center of art for over 60 years) was being torn down this summer in favor of a newer fancier set-up.

We decided to do "Follies" as the final show in the theatre just weeks before it was torn down.  We had various alumni from the past 60 years of our school come back to play Sally, Ben, Buddy, Phyllis and the other leads, as well as walk in the "Beautiful Girls" processional. In total, over 100 alumni participated.

My current students played the 'ghosts' of the characters' younger selves, and danced in Whos That Woman, the Loveland numbers, and some other sequences.

"Follies" was actually a very profound experience for the current high school students and we had many fascinating discussions with them regarding the multiple themes in that script.  As many of them were about to step out of high school and begin their 'real lives', the themes in that show were incredibly relevant to them.  They loved it, and I dare say, learned a lot.  Not to mention, the level of theatre and music education is always operating at a higher level when you are working with material from Sondheim.

They also learned so much from the returning alumni.  As they got to know them and hear about their experiences when they were in high school theatre decades earlier in the same building, they were literally able to get a small glimpse of their future selves.  It was a really unique experience.  I'm really glad we did it.

[WW_LV]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 12:35pm

MrJNLong:-

We were posting at the same time.  I loved your story.  Mature plays ARE fine for HS (in my opinion) as long as the students aren't being asked to perform in a way that can reasonably upset parents/teachers/relatives etc.  Making any significant part of an audience uncomfortable to me is contrary to theater - especially at the HS level.  It can take the audience out of the play and makes the controversy too  much of a point - affecting the experience for everyone.

Arguing over a scene or play itself AFTER the fact is detrimental to the theater experience.  

From what you said, it sounds as if you solved that issue by having older actors in those roles (correct me if I misread - not familiar with "Follies".  

In your experience, does what I'm saying (my last post in particular) make sense?  The Legally Blonde situation referred here is horrible in my mind.  It coudl have EASILY been dealt with well ahead of time.

As would be the case on all the plays I mentioned.  Cabaret?  "Yes, the girls will be dressed in a seemingly provocative way but here's why we think it's worth the potential "shock"...

Gypsy?  "Don't worry, you are not going to be "entertained" by an authentic striptease like the pro play does it.  We'll show she became successful independent of her mother without having her demonstrate the techniques Gypsy used to sexually arouse the men in her audience.  That's NOT the point of the play"

Heathers?  "We think it's important to show the lengths some HS girls will go to feel like they belong

Spring Awakening?  The impact of poor or no sex education is STILL a major issue we feel.

Others?  Well, they are interesting or fun plays, but we do want to be respectful of the unique audience that is responsible for raising these teens.

You don't strike me as the type who would defiantly put on a production and respond to reasonable objection in a insulting way.  Which would teach the kids that's acceptable to treat those with contrary (and reasonable) points of view with distain.  

I actually was told by a HS director that he NEVER listens to parents.  He even said something like "if a parent objects to a play, then I figure it's a good choice."  Wow!

Updated On: 11/24/21 at 12:35 PM

[MrJNLong]

Posted: 11/24/21 at 4:09pm

Yes, you understood correctly about our production of "Follies" having adults playing the roles.

But, I also think for the most part, "Follies" is kind of a different beast than the other shows you are mentioning.  There isn't a ton of sexual or provocative content in "Follies." It just always shows up on these threads mostly because the subject matter has to do with aging and regret and  and the thoughts and feelings humans deal with once they hit a certain age...so most people think its a bit ridiculous for high schoolers to tackle such mature subject matter.

So, I think the points you are making about Cabaret, Legally Blonde, Spring Awakening, etc.. are valid, but kind of a different beast than "Follies."  Over all though, yes, front-loading families and audiences with content advisories and explanations regarding why certain topics are being addressed and what the educational outcomes are hoped to be is almost always a good idea.

Some times though (as may have been the case in the Legally Blonde situation) we fail to foresee controversy.  Maybe other high schools in the area had already produced it without a problem, maybe this wasn't even a parent of a cast member so they never received a possible original content warning at auditions. Sounds like this teacher had the show approved by her administration, and probably didn't guess that what was probably only ONE community member objecting to some content (Gay or European perhaps?) would cause such a stir at the district level.

That's what kinda sucks about teaching some times.  Most of us are really trying our best and trying to put out as many fires before they ignite as we can, but the larger and more successful our programs become, the more we open ourselves to one community member being angry about something. Some times it feels impossible to make everyone happy...

[WW_LV]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 6:09pm

Just got around to seeing the response - Thank you for clarifying Follies.  Different situation I see and handled VERY well!

As my grandkids get older I see the potential for controversy in plays in HS and even middle school.  As you say, it can all be handled ahead of time but just when you think it is, something unexpected comes up.

Curious though on "content warnings".  The audience isn't JUST made up of people related to the kids in the play.  There IS the possibility of someone getting blindsided (in a sense).  Do you consider "content warnings" in the pre-show publicity - at least for plays where it's known there have been controversy in the past?

And if so - how specific do you think they should be?  I gave some examples that I thought appropriate for certain plays.  Yet I very much doubt the production does anything like that EXCEPT perhaps for the cast members' families.  Yet might that be a good idea?  Or does it "ruin" things by almost inviting criticism?

It's a fine line.  The example that still gnaws at me is Gypsy.  As a dad (and now grandpa) and knowing what the play is about, I'd actually want to know ahead of time how the Minsky scene will be done.  The scene is necessary but if I have to watch (and applaud) a HS girl doing it like the pro play, it would actually ruin the experience for me and I suspect others.  Because the point can be (and has been) made without that.  Yet the publicity I see on it from several HS won't even mention she's a stripper.  One even said she became a dancer!  It might seem odd to anyone on this board, but there are MANY people my adult kids age that never heard of the play or the person.

(And I still shake my head on Gypsy for Middle School, imagining a kid no more than 14 introduced as the Queen of the Striptease singing about wanting to make men feel good.)  

But not just Gypsy.  Cabaret could be the same (especially if the girls are coming down the aisle dressed provocatively and kissing the dads in the audience as someone mentioned).  But even if only "cavorting" onstage like the pro play - again for no other reason that that's how the adults it.  Chicago similar - those stories can be told without the girls dressed and acting like the pro play. 

I saw somewhere there is a podcast about HS plays and the "syndrome" of feeling like they "have" to be done like on Broadway.  Though it may not be about controversial elements - haven't listened yet.  

To me, rating a play PG13 isn't enough.  It could be for innuendo and it could be for a authentic burlesque striptease.  To me, anything that is done that could reasonably detract from the play's message should be addressed and (probably) avoided. 

As you wonderfully say, this is supposed to be educational for the kids involved.  It's just that the "education" can't be teaching them to ignore valid concerns from adults .  Or insulting anyone who raises a legit concern.

 

 

Updated On: 12/2/21 at 06:09 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 6:26pm

Theaterguy2 said: "Sweeney Todd.

and this is one that I've often seen done but shouldnt. "Fiddler on the Roof"...for one reason only. There is no teenage boy that can play Tevya. Without a good Tevya that shopw just doesnt work.

Les Miserables. (Whoever came up with that school version idea...i have a bone to pick with you.) "

 

I disagree about FIDDLER. I did the sets for a high school.production of the show and student who.playes Tevye was marvelous.. Previoysly he'd played Simon Stimson in OUR TOWN and Brian O'Banion in AUNTIE MAME. FIDDLER was his first musical.

 

[pmensky]

Posted: 12/2/21 at 6:37pm

WW_LV said: "Just got around to seeing the response - Thank you for clarifying Follies. Different situation I see and handled VERY well!

As my grandkids get older I see the potential for controversy in plays in HS and even middle school. As you say, it can all be handled ahead of time but just when you think it is, something unexpected comes up.

Curious though on "content warnings". The audience isn't JUST made up of people related to the kids in the play. There IS the possibility of someone getting blindsided (in a sense). Do you consider "content warnings" in the pre-show publicity - at least for plays where it's known there have been controversy in the past?

And if so - how specific do you think they should be? I gave some examples that I thought appropriate for certain plays. Yet I very much doubt the production does anything like that EXCEPT perhaps for the cast members' families. Yet might that be a good idea? Or does it "ruin" things by almost inviting criticism?

It's a fine line. The example that still gnaws at me is Gypsy. As a dad (and now grandpa) and knowing what the play is about, I'd actually want to know ahead of time how the Minsky scene will be done. The scene is necessary but if I have to watch (and applaud) a HS girl doing it like the pro play, it would actually ruin the experience for me and I suspect others. Because the point can be (and has been) made without that. Yet the publicity I see on it from several HS won't even mention she's a stripper. One even said she became a dancer! It might seem odd to anyone on this board, but there are MANY people my adult kids age that never heard of the play or the person.

(And I still shake my head on Gypsy for Middle School, imagining a kid no more than 14 introduced as the Queen of the Striptease singing about wanting to make men feel good.)

But not just Gypsy. Cabaret could be the same (especially if the girls are coming down the aisle dressed provocatively and kissing the dads in the audience as someone mentioned). But even if only "cavorting" onstage like the pro play - again for no other reason that that's how the adults it. Chicago similar - those stories can be told without the girls dressed and acting like the pro play.

I saw somewhere there is a podcast about HS plays and the "syndrome" of feeling like they "have" to be done like on Broadway. Though it may not be about controversial elements - haven't listened yet.

To me, rating a play PG13 isn't enough. It could be for innuendo and it could be for a authentic burlesque striptease. To me, anything that is done that could reasonably detract from the play's message should be addressed and (probably) avoided.

As you wonderfully say, this is supposed to be educational for the kids involved. It's just that the "education" can't be teaching them to ignore valid concerns from adults . Or insulting anyone who raises a legit concern.

All these worries and precautions are for the benefit of the parents and grandparents, not the students. The average teenager loses their virginity between 15 and 17, so concerns over a high school aged Gypsy Rose Lee unzipping her gown or being called a stripper are really unnecessary. If they own smartphones, their lives were corrupted long before the casting notice for Gypsy was posted in the cafeteria.