What Musical Should Never Be Performed by a High School?

Introduction

When considering a musical for a high school performance, several factors must be taken into account, including community values, school policies, the maturity of the students, and the ability to handle sensitive material responsibly. Not all musicals are suitable for young performers and audiences. This article explores a few examples of musicals that are often considered inappropriate for high school productions and the reasons behind it.

Examples of Musicals Unsuitable for High School Performances

Rock of Ages

This rock musical deals with complex themes such as sexuality, mental health, and teenage rebellion. It often includes explicit language and situations that may not be appropriate for all high school audiences. The raw nature of these themes can make it challenging to present them in a way that is both educational and respectful. Schools must carefully consider whether their students are mature enough to handle these sensitive subjects without causing harm or offense.

Ragtime

While this musical has a strong message about love and acceptance, it addresses heavy topics such as drug use, HIV/AIDS, and homelessness. These sensitive themes can be difficult to navigate in a school setting. Deciding how to portray these issues sensitively without giving the wrong impression can be challenging. Moreover, discussing such topics may not align with the values held by some schools, particularly those in more conservative communities.

Les Misérables

With its dark themes of revenge, murder, and cannibalism, this musical can be quite graphic. Schools must assess whether these graphic scenes would be appropriate for younger performers and audiences. The high school environment may not provide the emotional and psychological safety required to handle such intense content responsibly.

South Park: The Fractured but Whole

Although this musical comedy features explicit language and themes surrounding religion, these elements may not be suitable for a high school audience. School productions aim to promote positive values and behaviors. Explicit language and controversial religious themes can detract from this goal and lead to uncomfortable or even negative experiences for students and parents.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

This musical involves themes of crime, corruption, and manipulation, along with a significant amount of suggestive content. Such material may be unsuitable for younger performers and audiences, as it can be inappropriate and potentially harmful. High schools must ensure that production materials are not offensive or promote harmful behavior.

Real-World Examples

The Threepenny Opera

One of the specific examples where inappropriate content came into play was when I wanted to stage The Threepenny Opera at an all-girls English school. The principal was concerned about the portrayal of female characters as prostitutes, which she deemed inappropriate. This instance highlights the importance of community values and the need for cautious selection of content.

Cabaret

Another potential choice was Cabaret. However, the conversation about its appropriateness highlighted the challenges in balancing artistic expression with community standards. The themes of sexual liberation and overt sexual references could be uncomfortable for some parents and attendees, making it less suitable for a school production.

The Rocky Horror Show

A student suggested The Rocky Horror Show, but the extensive use of partial nudity raised significant concerns. The portrayal of characters in undergarments throughout much of the show could be inappropriate and potentially offensive. This example underscores the need to consider the appropriateness of wardrobe and the performances in terms of audience sensitivity.

My Fair Lady

Eventually, we settled on My Fair Lady, which was a more appropriate choice given the school’s values and the maturity of the students. This production offered a balance between educational content and entertainment, making it a suitable choice for the school’s musical theater program.

Conclusion

When choosing a musical for a high school production, it is crucial to evaluate the context of the school, community values, and the maturity of the students. Specific factors such as explicit language, graphic content, and sensitive themes must be considered to ensure that the production is both safe and appropriate. Schools must navigate these challenges with care to provide their students with positive and enriching educational experiences.