PARADE questions

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 2:26pm

Hi Kids --

MTI who handles the licensing for PARADE (Jason Robert Brown) has the show labeled a rare "R" rating in their literature for the musical. I show the show in NYC, and despite the central subject matter, I frankly don't remember anything in the show that objectionable, Am I forgetting something?

[robbiej]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 2:31pm

There are one or two "F*CKs" in the piece...but I'm imagining that its the word "n*" in the intro to THAT'S WHAT HE SAID (and possibly other places that I cannot recall) that may get it the R rating.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 3:54pm

I think an R rating is a bit harsh for a show that could teach a great message to a lot of kids.

[robbiej]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:20pm

Same could be said for SCHINDLER'S LIST. Though I'm sure watching PARADE is in now way as disturbing as watching SCHINDLER'S LIST.

I don't know. I certainly think a show using the "n-word" (I hate that phrase, but didn't want to type it out twice in one thread for fear of being called a racist) as it does warrants a word of caution. Particularly if a high school is looking to do it.

Updated On: 10/31/07 at 04:20 PM

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:24pm

How is "Big River" labeled?

[robbiej]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:27pm

THAT'S a very good point!

Hmmmmmmm...

So...between the F bombs, the N bombs and the hanging, do we think that's enough to get an R rating?

I thought Jack Valenti was dead!

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:28pm

Brent Bozell, unfortunately, is alive and well and living in, uh, Washington, I guess.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:41pm

Um, where are these F-bombs. 'Cuz i have the script and I don't remember an f-bomb.

C'mon, folks, think about it. A 13 year old girl gets raped and killed in this show. I know it's not actually shown but to hear someone talk about that sort of thing (There are lines like, "No wonder people think you tore into that little girl"). I mean, in I Am Trying to Remember, Newt recounts finding the body in quite graphic detail. Do you really want kids hearing that sort of thing.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:49pm

Well, I'm not saying the show is appropriate for 8 year olds, but describing a death or a rape isn't what I would consider "R" rated. If the rape was shown on stage or if their were nudity, I could understand that too.

I actually don't think the use of the word "n*" in a piece about persecution and prejudice would constitute an "R" rating either.

It sounds like PARADE should merit a good PG 13

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:54pm

Well, you're entitled to your opinion and, you know, I'm not some kind of squeaky clean moralist like those right-wingers who have posted in the past. But I'm just convinced that the material is strong enough to warrant an R rating.

And what about the F-bombs?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 5:00pm

Someone will have to verify those "F" bombs. I don't remember that either - and most period shows don't use that word.

Matt- I'm thinking in terms of "R" rated in terms of film ratings. There are very few musicals I would actually give an "R" rating - which is why I was surprised by the MTI rating. They also rate THE PRODUCERS as "R" rated - which confuses me a bit too.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:19pm

Well, there I agree with you. I really don't know why The Producers got an R rating. To me, Parade warrants an R.

[sondhead]

Posted: 10/31/07 at 7:22pm

"There are one or two "F*CKs" in the piece...but I'm imagining that its the word "n*" in the intro to THAT'S WHAT HE SAID (and possibly other places that I cannot recall) that may get it the R rating."

There are no F-Bombs in the show unless some production other than the Broadway / Tour / London productions added them, and that would make it moot because they definitely aren't in MTI's materials.

[mallardo]

Posted: 11/1/07 at 3:43am

The R cannot be because of language - it must be because of subject matter. The lynching scene is harrowing and could conceivably be too much for younger audiences.