Posted on 03/18/2006 10:46:26 AM PST by Lunatic Fringe
"I'm just curious here...what kind of play is suitable and interesting for both 6 and 60 year olds?"
Well, lots of schools perform "Our Town," but it's pretty much about hypocrisy, so that one won't work. Hmm...6 to 60...nope...can't think of anything.
I've always had this image of a high school production of Our Town where the entire audience takes out guns and shoots themselves. When the police arrive, it looks like Jonestown...One cop says to the other cop, "Bound to happen sooner or later. One too many productions of Our Town..."
What play would you have picked?
Pretty good. Of course, "Our Town" is such a popular play for just one reason: It's cheap to produce. No sets to deal with. No costumes. Some folding chairs and a ladder, and you're good to go.
Don't get me wrong. I like the play, but that's why it's done so much in High School.
My idiot drama teacher chose a play called "A Quiet Summer." It had been on Broadway a few years earlier, and closed pretty quickly. It was exceedingly boring to perform, and exquisitely boring for the audience. I did get to kiss the leading actress in one scene, though, and we rehearsed that scene many, many times, so all was not lost.
We did our best with it, but it was not a huge hit. I almost wish we'd done "Our Town." [grin]
So let's here your suggestion for a "family-friendly" play. You must have several in mind.
You know, you are absolutely right! I always wondered why it was such a favorite among high schoolers. Thanks!
In truth, it isn't a bad play. It's actually a good play, but too much of a good thing is still a bad thing.
Well I know Shakespeare will just make the kiddies run right out and commit all sorts of heinous crimes. We can't let kulture into the community!! What would you recommend? The Adventures of Spongebob Squarepants? Oops sorry, 'conservatives' have termed that gay. How about Pygmalion? Well no that's got a funny sounding name, probably about all sorts of evils...
To call the town intolerant is knee jerk...they just want a play that 6 year olds as well as 60 year olds can appreciate
Have you ever been to a high school play? The parents aren't going to bring their little rugrats, they're there to support their child involved in the play. And even if the little kids are there, they won't understand any of it. No doubt about it, this was instigated by knee-jerk parents.
Out of curiousity what play would be acceptable as 'family friendly'
"Annie
Cats
Guys and Dolls
Wizard of Oz
"
Oh, gosh. Musicals are really, really hard for high schools to put on, you see. They're expensive, and usually beyond the capabilities of most high schools, especially small ones like the one in the story.
Singing, dancing, music. Most high schools put on plays with casts of kids who have no background in theater. That's why musicals don't work out very often, except in large schools.
How about a family-friendly play that isn't a musical, then. You have a few of those, I'm sure, to suggest.
Hardly anything ever actually happens on stage in Shakespeare, thats what messengers are for. Having been fired in Mo, over a production of Mid Summers once , I can tell you that they prefer the Micky Rooney version. (Ofcourse that was before I got sober!!!) Puck is a Satyr, The kids defy their parents and run away to be lovers, They are innocent in terms of their experience but not in their intentions etc, Its a darker play than is normally thought of, its a comedy - meaning everyone gets married in the end - But look at Oberons speech after the marriage where he blesses the house and hopes that none of them come down with wretched diseases or have disfigured children...its a rather jarring little marriage speech.. But its as appropriate for young people as the Bible is...No slaughter, rape or sinning in any of those Bible stories now is there!? People, gotta love em, those parents have the best of intentions. But Shakespeare is not G rated.
I dont think you understand the story...
She did "Grease" in the fall and the holy-rollers had a fit.
She chose "The Crucible" for the spring play. Then she was told to do something more "family friendly," which she did- she chose Shakespeare.
After all this, she was told her contract may not be renewed, so she quit instead of being fired.
Annie -- against the law in several states because every stage mother has taught her kid to sing Tomorrow in such a way that several casting directors and drama teachers have actually been institutionalized from listening to them.
Cats -- based on book by T.S. who was good friends with Ezra Pound who made fascist broadcasts during WWII
Guys and Dolls -- mocks religion.
Wizard of Oz -- gay agenda
Charlotte's web - E.B. White known leftist.
This struck me as odd. What if the board doesn't approve the resignation? Does she have to stay?
"She chose "The Crucible" for the spring play."
Well, I'm a'thinkin' that she chose "The Crucible" because those overly-sanctimonius folks objected to "Grease."
"The Crucible" isn't all that kind to sanctimonious religious fanatics, as I remember. Sounds like she was planning to get a little dig in with that one.
Pity. It would have been an appropriate play for the witch hunters who whined about "Grease."
It's stories like this that keep me moving to the South or Midwest from California despite all of its own problems.
Since you seem attracted to musicals, how about "Jesus Christ Superstar." Nobody would object to that one, right?
Again, she did EXACTLY what her boss told her to do. She chose another play.
That looks like a fine production!!! Really happy for them.
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