"shows like PHANTOM, WICKED, CATS, LES MIS- a lot of big shows- wouldnt be such hits if they included a lot of unnecessary cursing and such."
Rent
Hair
Avenue Q
Miss Saigon
Oh! Calcutta!
Ever heard Master of the House or Lovely Ladies from Les Miserables? Even the original script to Grease had profanity. Many hit shows include foul language.
Matt, when are you going to PQ?
(Did you see Pillowman yet?)
Rent
Hair
Avenue Q
Miss Saigon
Oh! Calcutta!
Do you remember that scene in Rent where Mimi comes out and sings "Where has it been writ, my life should come to sh*t"...? ( I don't either.)
The point I've been making isn't that Broadway shows can never be successful if they include swear words. There's such a thing as artistry and characterization.
Have you seen "The Pirate Queen"? If so, do you think there's anything in the show's book or lyrics that is any way remotely comparable to the shows you listed?
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