"Rating" theatre a la the movies (PG, R, etc.)

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:14am

I'm sort of intrigued by the growing trend especially of regional theatres of "rating" their musicals a la the guidelines set by the MPAA for movies (R, PG, etc.)

Now, don't get me wrong - I understand why the ratings are important, particularly for families who are trying to figure out what is age appropriate for their children, I'm just sort of intrigued by what specific ratings theatres are giving their shows...

Sacramento Music Circus for example says that "Les Miz" is appropriate for kids over 10, but "Jekyll and Hyde" is appropriate for kids over 14. Frankly, they both feature whores and violent deaths. What's the difference?...

They also say "Hello Dolly" is appropraite for theatregoers over 4 years old. That's probably the last production of "Dolly" I want to see...

I was recently asked by a theatre I'm directing a production of DROOD for to 'rate' the musical. I rated it PG 13.

So how would you all rate some of the current trend of musicals? It all seems so subjective...

[avab802]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:45am

It's totally subjective. I also understand why ratings are used, but many parents just go by the rating on something without doing any other research. Essentially, they let strangers decide what is and is not appropriate for their children.

I think it's wrong that violent movies get away with lower ratings than movies with tame no-nudity sex scenes. I'd much rather my child (if I had one) see two people covered with a sheet kissing in bed than see someone get shot/stabbed/etc.

[AnnaK<3LMIP]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 11:56am

That's the problem I've always found with movie ratings. Some thing in Rated R movies my parents trust me to see. It's not like because I watch sex I'm gonna run out and do it. Does anyone know ANYBODY who would do that? Maybe some kids will react to certain acts of violence, but I've always felt it should be up to the parents to decide what their children can or can not see, not whoever makes up the ratings.

As for musicals? I would hate to be advised to not see a musical I happen to enjoy very much just because someone doesn't feel that I could handle it at my age. I know what I can or can not handle, thank you very much.

And ratings are always STRANGE. The weridest things will get a movie rated PG-13.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 12:00pm

Considering what kids see on TV and on the streets these days, I don't think any musical is inappropriate for children.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 5/7/07 at 12:01pm

Stupid, stupid, stupid idea. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a disclaimer on the advertisements saying "This show is intended for mature audiences, for more details please call blah blah blah." A ratings system, however, is utterly infantilizing and degrades the experience of live theater. Its not a theater companies job to figure out whether or not something is going to offend you or be okay for your children. That's YOUR job.