"Romancing the Spouse"

[tx-nick]

Posted: 5/9/11 at 2:35pm

Serious question for you, the global theatre community, but first some background. (Please, no judgements here -- we are what we are.)

My wife is an AMAZINGLY talented singer and actress, and had quite a bit of musical theatre experience in school, both front and back of house. She would love to start auditioning again for some local productions, but we seem to have a bit of a disagreement on what's appropriate with regard to romance on the stage. Call me old-fashioned, or even jealous, but I would have a big issue with another man kissing my wife with an open mouth (even if the man is a homosexual or married heterosexual). I'm sure there are many out there among you who are much more liberal than I am, and if that works for you, good for you. SO, in the interest of enabling her to chase her dream while not creating tension in our marriage, I want to come up with some suggestions that would satisfy her both.

Specifically (and herein lies the question), I'd like to put together a list of musical and other theatrical productions wherein the leading or key supporting female role(s) are not required to share a romantic scene (particularly with physical intimacy or sexual inuendo) with another actor. I know there are some out there that I've seen, but other than some Disney productions (like Lion King) and the like, I can't come up with more than a couple. I really don't want to say to her, "Well here's three -- pick one!" I want to be supportive and give her a number of options to consider -- and to encourage her that there are likely many more even!

Again, respectfully, please keep the flames to yourself -- insulting me or my standards just because you don't agree won't help anyone here.

TIA,

Nick