We just did this show last season. The small cast enabled us to mitigate risk in the very best way. We usually do big and flashy. Bee was not only ideal for the circumstances, but the messaging (if you want it) is there and so important. The conversations with the cast and we studied this beautiful show and its characters and their importance to the story was immeasurable. As a theatre educator I couldn't ask for anything more. We did this in a small rural Utah community. I did have one aggressive parent (not even attached to a student in our program) that put forth a surprising effort to have the show canceled. We even met with her and addressed all of her concerns and it still was not enough. I was heartened in a difficult year to get full support from my administration and ultimately all the way up to the school board and superintendent. I think if she had come to the actual show, even she would have supported it.
We opted for the alternate lyrics (which are provided by the writers) for Chip's Lament and as with everything, so much is in the way you handle it (intent, inflection, characterization and storytelling). That part of the show ended up both humorous and sweet and dare I say unoffensive to anyone. This was her biggest issue and she could never let go of the fact that it was different in the original Broadway production and that we should have never even considered it because it once was in there. Sigh.
Her next concern was that Logan had two dads. I let her know that many of us who have had a parent divorce and re-marry also end up with two dads. Some like Logainne are students in our school. Some are in our production. Life and families come in all sorts and there is something to talking about it. There is also so very important material in the script pertaining to her dads and how they raise her and how they treat her and how she ultimately reacts to their desire for her to win the Bee at all costs.
Likewise, I anticipated issues with Jesus in the show, but ultimately chose to have that handled as a disembodied voice speaking to Marcy. She just looked heavenward and all the lines played perfectly. The message was perfect. The message of the whole show is perfect, and the beauty of it is how it resonates even in the midst of hilarity. The show is hilarious. Important and challenging and hilarious. Please do the show. I will be happy to advocate for you. Email me or even call if you need to Charles.
Chris
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Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2021 09:56
From: Charles Puetzer
Subject: Spelling BEE Blow back
Has anyone had any blowback from the Administration and or Parents from this performance? I was told that due to the language and the message that it portrays that it is inappropriate for a high school. No clarification on what was meant from this as: what language and which message they were talking about? Would love to have a list of schools that have done this show so I may take it to my administration!! Thank you for all your help!!!
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Charles PuetzerMath DepartmentStage ManagerMichigan City High School8466 W Pahs RoadMichigan City, IN 46360(219) 873-2044, ext. 4360cpuetzer03@mcas.k12.in.us
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