Can we just be clear about one thing? There were NO "hookers" in this play. I agree with you that it is reasonable to ask questions about the age appropriateness of material and that the time to raise those questions is during the rehearsal period, not after the production is complete. To do so after the fact is unproductive and does nothing more than cause hurt feelings.
But the contention that 10 and 11 year old girls were asked to portray prostitutes in this play is nothing more than a figment of someone's sick imagination. I'm sorry to have to put it that way, but it appears that some who did not see the play and have only read about it after the fact are taking this scurrilous and unfounded accusation as "fact," and the record should be put straight. Nothing could be further from the truth.
I was a parent of a child who participated in the play and who had a background role in the supposedly "scandalous" Little Shop of Horrors production number. I read the script. I attended rehearsals. I saw the play. I would have been the FIRST person to object if I saw any indication (even by insinuation) that elementary school girls were being asked to portray prostitutes. It would have been outrageous, sick and wrong. It would have offended me to my core. I would have pulled my son from the production on the spot and contacted the principal and possibly the police. Fortunately, it never happened, and it never would happen in an Arts Alive! play.
With 155 children participating in the play, we can assume there were nearly 300 parents involved in some capacity as well (reading scripts, helping to memorize lines, checking costumes at fittings, volunteering at rehearsals, helping to sew outfits, donating props, creating artwork, etc.). Additionally three teachers and the principal of Hampden Meadows School participated in the play. To the best of my knowledge NOT ONE of these adults--including the author of the accusatory letter--raised any objections about the age appropriateness of the dialog, songs, costumes or performance style of the play during the rehearsal and production period.
Broadway Rules! was such a positive experience for my son and my whole family. My mother flew up from Maryland and watched all three performances. She comes from a more conservative time and place and saw nothing that even raised an eyebrow in the play. Neither did I.
It's very hurtful to us that some are now casting aspersions on such a wonderful production that so many in the community (myself included) put their hearts and souls into making the best possible experience for the children of this town. I can only imagine how the wonderful women at Arts Alive! who worked many long hours on the play, sacrificing time with their own families so that the children of Barrington could have a first-rate theater experience must feel.
I’ve honestly never seen people who work as hard on behalf of children as Dena Davis and Kimberly Durkin. We are so lucky to have such talented and dedicated professionals working with the children of this town. The educational and emotional benefits of their work is overwhelming. I've seen my son grow immensely both intellectually and emotionally as a direct result of his involvement in Arts Alive! productions. I only hope they know that the vast majority of parents and children who have participated in Arts Alive! productions appreciate their hard work and talent.
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