re: HS principal says no to Urinetown. Catch: Same HS has done ACL and Les Miz in the past- Page 2

Posted: 11/16/06 at 11:20am

Rath you weren't bruised by it? Wasn't your confidence ruined? Didn't your whole world collapse? Haven't you found the "real world" to be much more agreeable and your opinion constantly valued by all?

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 11:21am

I think the major question is this--Grease was out when you were in school?

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 11:30am

Well, Joe, thankfully, when I got out of school everyone in the "real world" listened to everything I had to say, realizing that in fact, I DO know best. I'm sure that will work for everyone on this thread in due time.

And Kitz - ha!

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 1:25pm

It made the news in Dallas when my principal refused us to do "Six Degrees of Seperation" for our One-Act.

[AnythingCanHappen]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 1:51pm

Thats pretty ridiculous...

Well, at least their principal cares? Our principal barely bothers to give a second glance to any scripts we might do. Last year they did a production called "learn me somthin" that made fun of the public school system (teachers were dressed as clowns. the public school board were adults with diapers in highchairs. schoolboard meetings were held on toilets and they played musical chairs on them.) My sophomore year we did a show called "The Original Last Wish Baby" which had themes such as SnM, Lesbianism, and Abortion. Makes me glad that my principal didnt care. Gave us more freedom. We tried to do a play called "Indians" though, and NOBODY would have it. 'We are from South Dakota and doing a play with that title even is discriminatory.' He didnt read that the script was about how we stole their land and how racism still occurs. What a genius.

[AugustBurns2]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 2:23pm

Ah, Jeez, not again!

It's just stupid that principals, school boards, and parents don't want their teenagers to perform such an innocent show. They should read it before they pass judgement!!!

It's such a fun show! I was in it about a month and half ago!
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[HOUFlip04]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 2:43pm

My issue is what this behavior shows of a supposedly educated man to the students. That's it's ok to pass judgement on material that he obviously has not taken the time to read or even research.

Isn't this how burning books started? :)

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 2:49pm

Just do it on the front lawn of the school as a political demonstration. Jeeze.

[jasonf]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 5:43pm

My question here is who alerted the press to this? Did the teacher get denied and go right to the newspaper, not giving the principal a chance to actually READ the script?
I think it's a ridiculous decision by the principal who A)clearly did not read the script (or wasn't given the chance to after denying the production initially) and even worse B)has no faith in the head of his drama department. That he would allow A Chorus Line and Les Mis to be performed, but not Urinetown, is a sign of ignorance on his part.
I can understand a show like Grease putting someone on edge, but Urinetown is REALLY not offensive. I mean, the local regional children's theater company here is doing High School Musical - now THAT'S an offense!

[jv92]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 6:19pm

Wow, I'm sorry to sound like a 12 year old, but the principal's really an ass. I think Chorus Line is wonderful, but it's far more risque than Urinetown. And why not do Urinetown? Make it modern classic. Who cares how well known it is? This story really upsets the hell out of me.
Updated On: 11/16/06 at 06:19 PM

Posted: 11/16/06 at 6:30pm

Chorus Line won the Pulitzer Prize. Les Mis is based an a classic novel and they are two of the longest running shows in history. There is NO comparison. While I personally loved Urinetown, I can certainly see why a Principal would have issues with his school performing it.

[jv92]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 6:36pm

A Chorus Line uses the words **** and **** several times. A character has plastic surgery and sings a song called "Tits and Ass" (well, really, "Dance-10; Looks-3", but the other title is used more frequently.) I have nothing against Chorus Line (besides that it robbed Kander and Ebb of a Tony) but Pulitzer or not, it's far more risque than Urinetown. I really can't stand these red state schools that screw their kids out of good theater because they don't like the show. It's utter crap.

[jasonf]

Posted: 11/16/06 at 6:50pm

So should only well known shows be done at highschools? Can't WAIT for the argument when Rent becomes available.

Posted: 11/16/06 at 7:23pm

Sorry... but as a former school board member I have to way in on this matter. First, the principal may have delivered the news BUT... it was the Superintendent that pulled the plug and I would guess it was after receiving many Complaints (I would guess about 25% of the demographics). It is true that the school board can overturn the ruling, but I wouldn't count on it. School districts are funded many different ways and fight for every one of those dollars.When you are trying to get people (and new companies) to move into your district so your tax base increases (and therefor your education $) it is very important what the public thinks of you. So basically, its all about the green... you don't have to think its fair (and I'd bet that some of the school board members don't think it is either) BUT, its their job and responsibility to look at what is the best course of action for the whole district and not just for a small number of high school students. And if that means pulling the plug on a show, when there are plenty of others to choose from... thats what they are going to do, because its in the best interest of the whole district.