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  • 1.  Something Rotten for High School

    Posted 12-26-2023 12:18

    What are people's thoughts on doing "Something Rotten" in a high school?  I know some of the material is rather questionable, and I saw it on Broadway, but don't remember all the scandal I suppose :)  I am getting the perusal of the script soon, but just wanted everyone's thoughts.  I see it is performed in high schools around the country.  



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    Ilana Meredith
    Drama Teacher/Theatre Director
    Great Neck South High School
    NY
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  • 2.  RE: Something Rotten for High School

    Posted 01-02-2024 13:03

    I just performed in a community theater production of Rotten and LOVE that show - I also saw it on Broadway with the original cast.

    I think it depends on your community. I definitely could not do it at my school because of the homosexuality-based humor, the digs on religion, and the proliferation of bad language. I'd call it an edgy choice even for a less conservative community. And it's definitely a challenging show to put up, with all the scenic, costume, prop, and dance (tap!) requirements. But if your community is supportive and you have the resources and talent to do it right, it has the potential to be a hit. (Note - rights are not cheap for this one either, based on what I've heard!)



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    Josh Kauffman
    Teacher, Thespian Society/Drama Club sponsor
    Winfield City Schools
    Winfield, AL
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Something Rotten for High School

    Posted 01-04-2024 19:03

    Thank you so much for your opinion.  Yeah, the more I look at it,  it doesn't seem right for our district.  I do thank you for your detailed response!



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    Ilana Meredith
    Drama Teacher/Theatre Director
    Great Neck South High School
    NY
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Something Rotten for High School

    Posted 01-03-2024 10:29

    I'm in the process of directing this show right now at a large-scale community theatre. There are 3 pages of approved alternate lines on pages 130-132 of the libretto/vocal book that offer ways to tone down some of the language and innuendo in the show. There's even a note that says if the sexual innuendo from Brother Jeremiah feels inappropriate for your production, you can call MTI and ask for the lines from the Broadway Junior version of the show, in which he is written to be much more straight forward.

    In my opinion, if you go that route you start to eliminate the joy and ridiculousness of this show. And Josh is right in his response: you don't get around the digs to radical conservative religion (Puritans), even if they're slight. And there are still lyrics like, "Don't be a penis / The man is a genius" (which is giggle-inducing for even the most uptight adult) that there are no alternates for. 

    All that being said, I have seen plenty of high schools who are doing it... so they must be figuring it out. For what it's worth, we are having an absolute riot rehearsing this show with my adult cast. I don't know if this helps any, but it's my perspective.



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    Matt Curtis
    Content & Marketing Director
    Educational Theatre Association
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    Original Message


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