<p>As this thread got revived today, I came across it for the first time and thought: wow what an interesting discussion. That is, until I saw me’s post. I think you have all said it- there is a clear misunderstanding of theatre and the profession in general. I would urge you to consider the integrity and purpose of the art before comparing girls who allow themselves to embody an artistic idea that involves removing clothing to a girl flashing random people during Mardi Gras. And I don’t have children myself, but I COMPLETELY agree, photomom. </p>
<p>Last year, I was did the music for Spring Awakening for a local professional theatre. It was done in a community where we knew we would raise some eyebrows. We also made it very clear to those auditioning and who later were cast that we would be working to maintain the integrity of the book, do nothing for shock value, and were not married to any particular way of doing the more ‘controversial’ scenes- we wanted to wait and see what the actors found during the creative process. Our cast wound up being comprised of the two adults, who were in their 50’s, a 16-year-old as Martha, a 15-year-old as a male chorus and everyone else was between 18 and 24- and they were all great about everything (we had an atheist and an agnostic in the cast, but I think everyone else was Christian…many were Catholic). The cast had such trust and understanding for one another and true appreciation for the art itself. The boys cast as Ernst and Hanschen were both straight (and from my understanding, didn’t get along well), and to watch them through the creative process was absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, their scene was what caused the most ‘controversy.’ It was obvious some people were just not comfortable. There was even a night where someone very audibly said “that’s disgusting.” Nothing w could do about that, I suppose. Everyone went through an incredible journey- production staff, cast, audience, everyone. In the end, we didn’t wind up having nudity in our production. It just worked out that way. And I will never, ever forget how we got SEVERAL emails asking about the nudity- these were people who said if there was nudity, great, and if not, they would find something else to see. Really? Anyway, what a fun and powerful show to be involved with.</p>
<p>And for one last note- I have a friend who went to school in NYC for MT who came from a very Christian community. She was asked by her instructors to work on A Summer in Ohio from The Last 5 Years, and she asked to change the phrase involving swearing (“S.O.B.”). Her voice teacher had a really strong reaction, and I’m not sure I personally agree with her approach, but she told my friend that she’d say it the way it was written or she could find a new program. To go along with the Angels in America discussion, is it there for a reason? Yes, it is (obviously I’m comparing apples to oranges, but, ya know…). If it wasn’t, the book writer wouldn’t have written it that way.</p>
<p>Anyway, that’s my two cents. Sorry I went on for so long :)</p>