Scripts on Stage during KC Stage Shows

The last two of the Kennedy Center Broadway Stage shows, Little Shop of Horrors and The Music Man, the lead actors carried and referred to the script during the show. It was a lot more prevalent during Little Shop and slightly distracting, at least in The Music Man Norm Lewis also used it as a prop so it was not distracting. I am curious, is the need to occasionally use scripts on stage normal for these type of special "Off-Broadway" stage shows.

I now wonder if the Kennedy Center should somehow communicate that scripts maybe used when advertising their Broadway Stage series. I heard several complaints about it during the intermissions so obviously there are other people who do not know it is normal. I have seen almost all of these stage shows, loved them, and cannot wait to see Tommy next.

I think you misunderstand what I meant, We understand it is a semi-staged show, what is misunderstood is "semi-staged" shows means that scripts maybe used on stage.

On the Kennedy Center show page for MUSIC MAN it says "Please note: Broadway Center Stage performances are presented as semi-staged concerts. The actors may carry scripts."

http://www.kennedy-center.org/calendar/event/TTBCB