Fahrenheit 451 taken to the Drama level?

I guess we'll never get to see the Vagina Monologues will we? Or Urinetown? We try to teach our children about life and freedom of speech, and now they get to learn about censorship too. Censorship by the few. But, then It seems the few ruin it for the many most of the time. As for bringing younger children to the plays - do you bring them to movies that are rated PG13 or R? If your own child is in the play and you haven't a clue that profanity is part of the original script and you bring younger siblings to the play - you need more communication at the dining table before trying to impose your demands on the production; get a clue. Plays can be provocative that is why theater has been around for ages to stir the passions of the theater goer and the actors. How many times do you want to see a play like the King & I before you jump off a bridge?!

The problem is that's it's saying "okay" to kids to use this language and it's not. I'm no prude but, it's not necessary to use profanity in plays to keep 'em coming. If these sort of plays are going to continue then they should be rated on the boards around town that advertise these plays so that parents with younger children will know NOT to go. But allowing this language only makes me wonder.

I've been to several Brick HS productions, and they are "top-notch" fior a high school level. Yes, there is profanity sometimes. Just like there is in real life, and by people of all walks of life. If you start to "clean up" the literary works they are producing, you're left with something less then remarkable. If the language offends you, then please do some homework before taking your children. But from my standpoint, "kudos" to the people in charge of putting on these shows at Brick HS. Excellent entertainment for a high school level.

Get ready for a whole new generation of plays and musicals. I just saw “The Book of Mormon”. Which was by far one of the best I’ve seen on Broadway. While there was bad language the subject matter dealt with real issues in Africa. The outcome was a peaceful happy end. Printed on the tickets and in other places. “Parental Advisory: Explicit Language”. I saw this play with my 75 year old parents. My father is a retired pastor. Both don’t like bad language, but they loved the play. I don’t believe the theatre has a rating system similar to the movies, but I remember as a young teen seeing “Hair” which had nudity. It was my parents’ decision to take me and my brother. The theatre has evolved with the times and unfortunately in the movies and on TV explicit language, violence and sex has taken center stage. I bet there will be a rating system for plays in the near future. It is up to the parent to do research in advance regarding the play then they can figure out if they want to allow their child to participate or view the play.

Forget about the language for a minute. I think that there might be an even bigger issue with the costumes. I personally wouldn't want my daughter wearing some of the costumes that are the wardrobe for some of these plays. They are kids. Let's not forget that.

Most people who have spoken on this issue generally look at their position as the "right" one. Many people opposed to my statements to the school board usually comment that there IS indeed a threshold for content, but that they are comfortable with what is being put on. Is this not them imposing their value system on me?

Am I wrong, if my level of comfort is lower than yours?

Am I wrong to suggest that behavior that would be punishable in public school class, is endorsed and acceptable on a public school stage?

Why is it wrong to ask the governing body of the school system to decide if they want R rated productions being part of the school curriculum?

Why are people so EAGER to shout CENSORSHIP!!, when all we did was ask the board to review, what some people feel was offensive material, and seek community approval, for what is STILL a community school system?
Profanity offends some, sexuality has been objected to by others, and some of the more religious among us were not happy about the use of the word "God" during a performance.

whatever your own personal level of tolerance, it must be agreed that this is a public school, and obviously contentious issues must be decided on by the interested portions of the community, not just one teacher, unilaterally.

All I called for, was for the community to decide as a group, through the school Board, rather than leave the decision to be made by one person, as it currently is done. this is NOT censorship.

Theater is ART. In addition to being beautiful, art can be, should be challenging, confrontational, compelling. It should not be watered down. These are HIGH SCHOOL students, soon to be adults, interested in the arts, and this is how their parents react to a performance? What are they going to do when they go to college, complain to the theater professor? Untie the apron strings people, there is a big wide world out there and your kid is going to be part of it soon. If they want a life in the theater, this is what it is. Just because your kid says, or hears, profanity in a performance doesn't mean it's OK to use it outside of the theater... that's a character saying that....I've heard and seen all kinds of things in plays and movies that I have never even considered saying or doing. That's a teaching moment, take advantage of it. BE A PARENT. Teach your kid the CONTEXT of these performances, don't try to water down the world for everyone else to make is safe for your special little snowflake. If you don't like what the public schools are doing, there are other options that might fit your worldview a bit better. But don't let your overprotective, helicopter parenting get in the way of everyone else's learning.

A democracy is not always about doing what the majority wants, it's about doing what's right. That's why we have leaders in place who we entrust to make those decisions. There are times when decisions should NOT be left up to the majority.. for example, overturning slavery, allowing interracial marriages, giving women the right to vote... many of these things never would have happened if the majority voted. There are times when we let the experts/leaders make the decisions, and rightly so.

These plays are done after school hours, rehearsals are not during the school day, and no one is forcing anyone to be a part of the play or come to see it. And you pay admission to see the play. I do agree that some of the plays have had some questionable content, but when there are auditions, and performances, we do research to see the content and storyline. Private/public has nothing to do with it. These kids do all the work on their own time.

Sounds like a director resorting to shock value to hide his or her lack of creativity. Or maybe it is just a case of self-indulgence at the expense of the kids.

It's entirely unnecessary to select productions with content that is inappropriate for all ages thinking that it's the only way to attract young people to the world of live theatre. Broadway is historically filled with exciting and entertaining plays and musical theatre that leave the profanity at the stage door. It seems whoever is selecting the productions is counting more on the edgy and controversial content of the show to bring in ticket sales, rather than the talent and hard work of the cast and crew to put on a top notch performance. Additionally, when a child performs in a school play, their whole family should have the opportunity to come and support them and to be exposed to school theatre. Why wouldn't you want to share the experience with younger siblings?! And why would you want to offend, or make uncomfortable, the parents who allowed the child to participate in the activity? Lack of support from the parents in a school community can put arts programs in danger. This administrator or program director is making BAD choices.

This is beyond ridiculous. I challenge any one of these parents to put a microphone inside the helmet of one of the High School football players and see how that goes. It's not like they are getting shows and re-writing the script just so they can offend someone. The plays are art forms, art forms we are teaching our children. I assume these same parents take issue with high school students studying the statue of david?

You can please most of the people, most of the time, some of the people, some of the time, but none of the people all of the time.

I don't know the titles, they never mention them in the article. I'm also keeping in mind that when I went to Memorial, we BEGGED our director to do Grease our senior year and the play had some dialog that was even too sexual for the TV censors at the time. Still, The Diary of Anne Frank was one of the most amazing HS productions I've ever seen and there was no worry of kids coming out half naked or tossing curses all over the stage. The cast was incredible and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. They have a HUGE pool of shows to select from - HUGE. I think the riskier, explicit stuff should be left to college, professional and community theatre. Then again, I guess some people could have gotten offended by Anne Frank too.

10 bucks every single complaining parent lets their Fourteen year old go to R rated movies

As a BTHS Drama Club alummi,

We performed such plays as Of Mice snd Men, Cabaret, Greaose and other plays that had questionable content. We as a club with our Director, Mr Leon Marone, would engage in hour long debates as to why we wanted to do such plays and how they would make us grow in our endeavors as performers. This was back in the 80's folks.... we would also slip in "questionable gags" to liven things up and none of our parents or grandparents or people from the older generations had problems with our content of production...
The point being, when did this town that I grew up in and that I love with all my heart become full of "soft", "thin skinned", censors who are trying to control what the students can or can't perform.
The Classes of 1980-1985 performed plays with "profanity" and "questionable content"; we came out okay in the end 26 years later.... my message to those who feel that our children's generation are going to far in their production choices.... put on your big boy or big girl pants and grow up.... It's Performing Arts.
You guys need not have to have a tight grip on everything....

RIch, It is known as the millennial generation parents or as it was said before the "helicopter parents" these are the ones that want it all to be fair everyone to get a trophy for participating and are the ones that are doing their kids homework, and if they actually could go into a job interview with their child to make sure that their "baby" is ok and they were not hurt.

Okay, I may be just a student in Brick, but I think that the content of our drama productions are perfectly appropriate. If we're allowed to sit in a required English class and discuss sex, sexuality, racism, religion, and so on then why can't the actors in our schools choose to partake in a production involving them? We have no choice but to take the classes, we can choose to participate in drama. And if the parents don't want younger siblings to see it, then don't take them. But I'm pretty sure your children have already been exposed to much worse both in real life and on television. The drama director at my school has a true passion for our drama club. He does everything within his power to make them shine and I think, instead of criticizing the productions chosen, you should appreciate that the students have the maturity to do a work such as that and that there is an adult willing to take the learning of theater outside the regular English classroom and let it be a hands on experience. Parents can't protect kids forever, high school students need to be preparing for college, and if they want to pursue acting they're going to need to do productions that are more than a Disney movie. This is the opportunity to do it with a mentor who cares and friends who can help.

Joe-
If you censor what the kids do...you are setting a bad precedence. CENSORSHIP does not promote growth or continued democracy. Fyi... Im betting you did worse as a teen yourself.

Joe...thank you for articulating exactly what I was thinking! Liberals like to throw around labels...crying censorship and name calling parents that are trying to raise their children with values..

I am a involved parent of a child who is involved in BTHS drama. He works hard to give his best performace, practicing six days a week, He is also a straight A student and the president of theS.G.A. I attend all shows that are put on by both High schools. The directors are top notch. The shows are fantastic. I love the fact that these kids are doing something positive and not hanging at the plaza. I really need to question where this negativity has come from. I do have a good guess.

I'm really confused why someone would bring their 2nd grader to the play/musical that was clearly rated. I went to the most recent one and was told what it was rated. Also, the parents of the students should have been aware of the content if they bother speaking w/their kids. After the musical, I spoke with some parents who were "shocked" as they put it by some of the content. I was shocked by their reactions. If they think their children do not know about sex, drugs, etc., they are walking around with blinders. These are subjects our kids deal with daily and expressing it through arts is a normal thing. If you do not like it, send your kids to private school where you can control their enviroment. I have to be honest, I think quite a few of the parents had issues with the skit that was done for the film O. If there is one thing I can't stand is a racist who likes to cover it by saying "oh it's not really that" when it clearly is.

These are the same parents who saw Animal House, Porky's, Stripes, and Blues Brothers as teenagers.....very hypocritical if you ask me....

These kids are doing something productive...And I agree its better than attending "pit parties", or hanging out at the Plaza....

@Joe- Jesus Christ Superstar was one of their past musicals... ;)

I have a son that performed in Oklahoma & the King & I & many other productions of that nature. He also performed in BTHS show last year. I can tell you that he was by far more inspired to grow as a person & an actor ( to push himself to achieve & learn more about tolerance & patience than ever before) in that show more than all the others put together!I'm the very proud mother of a student who has been performing since he was 4 yrs old in both school productions (in the district) as well as community theater & is now a hs soph. He was asked to play a part that he would have never thought in a million years he could do & did it! If it weren't for some of these shows being chosen how on earth are we going to grow as people.Again chosen not written! Sadly, some people here can't afford to go to see the shows in NYC. That doesn't mean they can't have culture! Let's go folks realize that this is real life & if you don't believe it walk into a locker room, sit on a school bus, walk in the mall, turn on the tv, realize that the language you hear there is far worse! Sadly its not just on a HS bus! I don't condone foul language & have never used it in my house & didn't grow up hearing it, but that doesn't mean it isn't out there. I too have a younger child (elem). The bottom line is you as a parent have a right to bring your children to these shows however, you also have a right to choose not to bring them! Use common sense.Unsure of content... google it! The arts r just that art!

um really? REALLY. really. must we all freak the hell out over this? who gives a poop. i mean REALLY. who gives a poop. IT IS THEATER. it is an art. think outside the box people. this is so stupid. I go to Brick Memorial and I am in the drama club as stage assistant manager and I really think everyone needs to take a step down. How the hell have our shows gone to far? You tell me. GO ahead and tell me. This entire article is ridiculous. Everyone needs to lay off. Theater is theater, do you people not understand that? I'm sure you dont. ALL shows have meanings to them. And the shows our GLORIOUS director picks are wonderful and beautifully directed. We put on amazing shows and have such talented actors and actresses and their talent deserves to be shown upon that stage. Not in some baby musical like Beauty and the Beast. That's elementary school poop. We are adult and mature high school students, some of us are eighteen! So I really do not understand the big deal/issue that we are all having. Is he dressing them in tube socks and bras, throwing them on stage and telling them to molest each other? Uh, no. Is he choosing something that goes against religion? No. Has he EVER gone to far? NO. He has not. We deserve to put on these musicals and plays. I am a senior and all of you are ruining my, and many others, last year. So suck it up and deal with it. We're a high school -->DRAMA<--, emphasis, club. Thank you. Have a great holiday.

I can't wait until the step in "pushing the envelope" moves to the soft porn level, that ought to be interesting. Imagine the HS version of some of that, but I'm sure it will be OK since it's in the name of "art".

As a performer and performance instructor myself, theater and the performing arts is more than entertainment for both audience and students. During the script run through and such rehearsals, it brings up questions and life lessons. In high school, many times theater is used as a supplemental educational tool. It gives the students the opportunity to learn and grow as citizens while doing something they enjoy. And truth is...the content kids learn in health class (specifically the sexual health ocurriculum), history, anatomy, English, ect is exactly what is being performed...just behind "closed doors." And yes, you "tax payers" are paying for their academic education as well. These helicopter parents really need to step back and let your children grow. The tighter your ropes, the more deviant or niave and clueless they'll be. Humans learn best through trial-and-error.

And I'm sorry. If you tax payers want a say in what the drama directors choose to produce, start supporting school budgets, fundraisers and such. You can only have a say in so much. Worry about much bigger problems in your community first.

Reading these comments it's no wonder a bunch of my friends that think the same way as some of you, have their 30 year old still living at home in their basements with no job and playing Nintendo all day. Why don't we protect these kids until their 45 and retard them even more than society already does. I've started going to Broadway shows when I was around 13, I've seen and heard it all and I turned out OK. There was a production I saw that almost did freak me out and with a good reason, it was a production of Oh Calcutta in NYC on Broadway which had nudity, I saw it when I was 16 along with my girlfriend at the time. One of the stars was Bill Macy ( who played Maud's husband on Maud) when his robe came off and this 16 year old saw that 40+ year old body, I turned to my girlfriend and said "If I look like that at 40, please shoot me" of coarse me being me said it a little too loud and set of gales of laughter in the theater during a serious scene in the play. Looking back, that experience actually kept me pretty fit during my 40's. Now I'm not saying the high school should produce Oh Calcutta or Hair, but something that has a few words here and there, well just put a warning on the ticket, what's next? Can't do musicals because it might turn the kids gay?

Hello There,

My name is Vicky and I am a 2010 alumni of Brick Memorial and of their drama club. I was Sally in "Me and My Girl" if any of you remember.

First of, I want to state that I know the people who's opinions are expressed in this article. They are lovely dedicated, and proactive to providing the best education for their children, and I understand where they are coming from. However, I do not agree with the opinions that the brick plays are too "over-the-top".
There is a whole subculture of Theatre unknown to the current population of wonderful, meaningful and moving pieces. The past play was a Neil Simon (which, honestly should have been a sign of what it contained) and for theatre students being involved in such a play is both an educational and exciting experience.

Unfortunately, many plays do contain profanity, sexuality and other more explicit themes. But I believe that the true meaning of the play can shine beyond it.

Yes they are high-school kids. But as someone who's acted alongside some of these kids, I have never seen an immature student act in a "Adult" role. The students are smart, and can see the art in the play. They come out of that performance with a whole new perspective, and wonderful memories with their friends.

And mister clamdigger- Porn is porn. Art is art. I know its a cliche but there is a difference I think you should try and discern. But what would I know, I'm only a Fine Arts Major with a minor in Musical Theatre. Just Saying.

My daughter has been fortunate enough to have been involved in the drama program and productions at BMHS. I apologize for being ignorant, but is the content of every book an English teacher assigns reviewed by the Board of Education? If this was 25 years ago, when I was a student at BMHS, there were words that we would never hear on television, school, or at homes. Those simple times are gone. The choice is yours to bring your young child to these productions; it's not like the young childs class is going to see these productions. Google the play prior to going, do your research as a parent before purchasing that ticket, or for that fact, allowing your child to try out for the play. Give the drama teachers and principals some credit and let them continue with the way things are.

Can someone please tell me what exactly the "profanity" words are?

No, Lori, we cannot tell you because The Patch is a pro-censorship, anti-art, puritanical website that bans the use of profanity and squelches the ability for its readers to "grow." That Daniel Nee is such a helicopter editor!

Brick Resident we do have a say on what is going on its called the school board. It is their job to approve plays that are being put on, shame on them for just approving the contract and letting it go on stage. If they were less concerned about football and more concerned for everything else maybe things would be different.

As for Joan Kelly, I totally agree something does seem fishy and I know where you were going with your last sentence.

My daughter fell in love with theater and the stage. Her first "coach" was Jennifer Roebuck. When my daughter was in 8th grade she told us she wanted to attend the Performing Arts Academy in Lakehurst. She is in her senior year, has been accepted at a dozen universities and colleges for Fine Arts. In retrospect, going to PAA was a great choice. There is simply no nonsense by people who just like to hear themselves talk. Authorities on all subjects. "Self-styled intellects" aka boors.

Lori,
To feed your curiosity: In my years in the Drama Club we have in the past said "damn", "Shit", "Bitch", "Bastard" and "Ass", only because they were in the plays. Such words have been apart of the artistic integrity of the show, and often characterize the particular role.

Hi, I participated in Rumors this year as the character Claire, and I've been a part of drama club since my freshman year, and these have been the best times of my life. I understand that the content may seem questionable to some people, but to the people in the plays, it's a pleasure to be taken seriously. As a teen, no one listens to me, but being on stage and performing in shows that teach lessons to others, I finally feel like what I'm doing is important. And while younger people may be impressionable, being a character in a play does not affect who I am as a person. The content in these plays help us as students to understand the world, and to escape the roles we play in society now. That's the point of drama club; to help us grow up. Not to bring in revenue to the school board, and not to make other people proud of us, though those are both perks. I know I do this to feel proud of myself. I can slip into a different persona, one that is nothing like myself, and that is exactly what acting is supposed to be. And if we're going to try to choose plays that never use profanity, that never use the word God, that never address any kind of controversial issues, then I'm losing the reason I started acting in the first place. I know that may seem like a radical idea to accept, but I don't see any way to make everyone happy. You may be thinking about your younger children seeing it, but how about you try thinking about the kids who want to be a part of a mature club.

Okay people...this is rediculous. I am a junior at BTMHS and I am to become the technical manager for the drama club next year. In my opinion, the people who are making all these huge statements trying to take down and undermine the drama club and the material we chose to portray are sounding rather ignorant by this point. I understand that some parents are concerned that their children may be presented with an opportunity to try out for a play that they do not feel comfortable with. HERE'S THE DEAL FOLKS. Even though you think it should be a collective decision made on what should be performed THAT IS UNFORTUNATELY NOT HOW IT WORKS SO STOP LYING. My mother is the business administrator for a prminent school district and you people have no clue how this decision making process actually happens. There are a select number of people on the Board that make a decision that directly effects myself, as well as my friends and peers, so how is that collective and fair if we are the ones having to deal with the consequences of your ignorant and childish opinions. If you feel as though your children should not be exposed to such thematic elements.....suck it up and don't have them try out. Otherwise, stop ruinging other people's high school careers and starting all this garbage over something that should be enjoyable; the arts.

Do your own homework because it is not our job to warn you as to what a piece may contain. If you have so many reservations about content, check it out before hand and stop complaining after the fact. If you don't like it, remove yourself from the situation. we are nearly adults and it is a shame to see parents like most of you destroying something that so many people my age enjoy and grow as people doing. I CAN SAY THAT I PROUDLY SPEAK FOR MANY OF MY FRIENDS AND WE AS TEENAGERS, AS MUCH AS YOU PARENTS WOULD LIKE TO ARGUE OTHERWISE, HAVE OUR OWN MINDS AND BODIES AND WE ARE COMING TO AN AGE WHERE WE WILL, NOT CAN, BUT WILL MAKE OUR OWN DECISIONS. GROW UP YOURSELVES FOR A CHANGE AND JUST KNOCK THE IGNORANCE AND BABYING ATTICTUDES TOWARDS US OFF. WE CAN HANDLE OURSELVES THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Jeez, people get me fired up. oh...and by the way....I am a straight A student in all AP and Honors classes in the top 3% of my class. So if someone who hides behind a screen name has the nerve to call ME a "slug of a student" or anything resembling a condescending remark or name, it just goes to show YOU cannot handle yourself and how you really have no class or dignity, which apparently you are "all about" when it comes to school plays. Get a life people, and stop tearing other people's down. And do me a favor, or should i say your kids a favor...LET THEM GROW UP.

Bob: you are right as it says in the article, "Before a play is performed, the Board of Education enters into a somewhat complex agreement with a company that allows the students to use the script from the original performance of a play. Those contracts do not allow modifications to the script."

But one would think a proactive BOE would do their research on what they are signing a contract to use the taxpayers money that voted them onto the board. If not I think we need to find board members who actually care about everything and not about little pet projects they want to see done.

To me that is the big picture in this whole thing in comes back to the BOE, why did it take a parent or parents to complain for something that you would think that they should have been doing all along, or at least that is what common sense has led me to believe.

Oh, and as a side note, I don't know who these so called students are who don't want to participate because of costume choices. Mr. Stefanelli would never make one of his students or actors do or wear anything they were uncomfortable with, which is what makes him such a terrific director. I did not like my original costume for Rumors, and Mr. Stefanelli let me wear the dress that I wanted to wear, because despite what you people seem to believe, he really cares about his students. He is and always will be one of the best teachers I've ever had, and it kills me to see people attack him like this. Those of you who don't know him should not judge him. Isn't that what you've all tried to teach your "moral children"? It seems to me I have a better grasp on these morals than some of you.

I am a student at Brick Memorial who has participated in many shows with the Drama Club and I find it quite ridiculous that the opinions surrounding the choices of the shows has gone this far. I understand that parents are concerned about their children but can you really shelter your children forever? Your children attend a public school not a private school. They hear and see much worse in one day at school than any content ever performed in any of the shows done at BMHS. I truly did not find any content in Rumors to be unacceptable or inappropriate for mature actors from the ages of 14-18. I also realize that there was no rating listed on the advertisements but I don't feel that there needs to be rating either. We are a high school drama club and we should be performing shows that teach us something and that let us grow as actors. We have a wonderful theatre group in our town called the Brick CHILDREN'S Community Theatre. They have fabulous productions of children's shows. I encourage you to take your children to their performances if you don't deem our shows appropriate. We are mature actors, technical workers, and crew workers in high school and we deserve to perform shows that help us grow as individuals.

Doing productions of Disney musicals will not push the actors and will not teach anyone anything of value. I urge you to find a musical that you find appropriate for everyone and that will let the actors in the drama club grow as performers.

I agree with you megan, as a tech member, i really do not see what is wrong with those costumes. On top of that, all these parents who are saying that the choices for plays are too mature for us because of sexual references and language, i can guarantee your son and or daughter hears or says worse daily. I understand you are concerned, but you have to realize, we are about to become adults and you need to let go a little bit on your kids because your sheltering them too much and taking away form their high school drama club experience.

As someone who as participated in five shows, I can say that Mr. Stefanelli has done wonders for the club and has made me a better actor and person. He also prepared me for the real world, by giving me shows like Rumors and Bye Bye Birdie to be in. Every show we have done has real topics in them. Even It's A Wonderful Life is all about suicide, but it teaches a lesson. These shows that people are calling "inappropriate" teach us things we need to know for the future.
Also, as much as I would love to do a show that all families could go to, the point of a high school Drama Club, is to get high school students involved in the arts. We want our main audience to be high school students and no high school student is going to want to come see "Cinderella" or "Peter Pan" as much as I love those shows. I can't tell you how many people told me that they came and saw "12 Angry Jurors" or "Rumors" after seeing the commercials with fighting and yelling, because they interested them, not little kids
Also, why did nothing come out last year when Old Brick put on a production of RENT? The production was amazing and I have nothing against their Drama Club, but that is one of the most inappropriate shows out there. I feel like so many of these attacks are towards Mr. Stefanelli, who is an amazing director. He takes our ideas and always makes sure we are comfortable with what we are doing. He works hard to satisfy everyone and is a great director.

I must say, I am absolutely appalled with the way all of you are acting, parents and students alike. Calling students names? Bashing others for having their beliefs? How dare any of you act this way, when this is not a matter of right or wrong. This issue is completely based on the opinions of others. This is just terrible. If any of you don't agree with the way The Dram Club is being run, or don't agree with the shows we are doing, you can leave our club. No one is forcing your daughter or son to stay. I'm sorry to say that, but I will not take my drama family being torn apart because some parents have too big of mouths and are too opinionated. Also, Mr.Stefanelli would never do anything to hurt or offend anyone in his club. He cares about our opinions, but he can't make everyone happy. I'm glad to see those of you trying to reason, but it seems useless. Stop causing more drama for our drama club, please.

Okay, this is absolute nonsense. I was involved in the BTHS Drama Department for my entire 4 years at Brick High. Our director, Jennifer Roebuck, is truly an inspiration to ALL of the students attending the high school. If she was given such boundaries as to only produce productions like Cinderella, Peter Pan, and Beauty & The Beast students not only would not want to participate, they would also not have the inspiration and guidance we all get from these productions year after year.

Recently, I attended BTHS's Fall Production of Screen To Stage; Jennifer Roebuck created this production. Here is an excerpt from the Director's Note:

“In choosing material for our 2011 fall production, I found myself stuck under a pile of scripts usually produced on high school stages. Though, well written and straight forward, none of the material seemed right. On the foot-heels of our previously pointed productions, it was important for me to choose material that reached out to my students, rather than choosing a play and having the student body fit the mold. I had to ask myself what I observed as a teacher and director in my current environment. The answer was almost immediately revealed. The absence and the presence of a parental figure in the lives of children directly affect them as students and as growing individuals.”

(Part One)

Hi Folks
as a BTMHS alumni, i have been in 8 productions at the school, with the latter four under the direction of Mr. Stefanelli, and have held the position of Drama Club president for the 2009-2010 school year. I have never seen such controversy over the development and approval of a production and, quite frankly, it's very disturbing to see. In the time that I was an active member of the school's Drama Club, one could easily argue that there was something provocative or inappropriate within the script or overall context of each and every show. This is not at all a new concept, as I recall one or two people mentioning to me something that may have appeared "racy" or "inappropriate" in the show, yet it was appropriate because it was A) not at a level that one would deem as inappropriate for high school students, and B)not as important as the level of professionalism demonstrated by all members, cast and crew alike, of the Drama Club. In my opinion, considering a play inappropriate or "over-the-top" is an easy thing to do if you are looking for problems; one could argue the darkness of "It's A Wonderful Life", a time-honored family Christmas play and movie, with the attempted suicide of George Bailey. Every Disney play or film has its dark moments or over-arching themes that are COMPLETELY inappropriate for the audience they are marketed for. The point, though, is that these stories will have more mature themes than something, say, for an elementary production. (Cont'd)

Much has been written here regarding what was said and whether certain parents were excluded or students discouraged from auditions, this could not be further from the truth. A letter was distributed to ALL parents whose children are part of the BMHS Drama Club inviting them to attend a meeting with Mr. Stefanelli to discuss concerns and voice their opinions regarding show selection.
I attended this meeting and was shocked by the heated verbal attacks against Mr. Stefanelli regarding his show selection and his concern for the club and its members. Mr. Stefanelli cares deeply for his students and the quality of the shows they perform. This is most evident in the opinions voiced by current and former students in Brick Patch. Parents need to trust the maturity of their children and respect their opinions. Mr. Stefanelli should not be attacked for trying to help these dedicated students gain more experience in theatre arts. He is only trying to help them grow as actors and individuals who look forward to their futures in college, in their careers, and future endeavors in theatre.

(Cont'd) In elementary school, I was taught that Christopher Columbus was the great discoverer of the West Indies,and, to a much broader extant, America. In high school, I learned that Columbus was not only completely oblivious to his discovery throughout his lifetime, but was also notorious for his brutality towards the natives he discovered on the islands. There are varying levels of censorship that are appropriate for different age groups and, because it is high school drama club that performs for high school students (as well as the general public), it will have some parts with a cheeky joke or a racy theme, but the idea that what has been presented is flat-out inappropriate is ridiculous. These plays are, for the most part, based on reality, and reality comes with darker themes and risque humor, and I feel that, if anything, Mr. Stefanelli has done an incredible job keeping it appropriate for high-school theater. Arguing that the high school productions should be appropriate for all ages is like arguing that all students in public school, from K-12, should learn at the same level. These plays don't appear to be "over-the-top" for other schools in the state (such as Arthur L. Johnson High School's production of "Cabaret" last March), so I am confused as to why this has become such a huge controversy

I wish people could express their opinions calmly, rationally and intelligently and that others could refute it without ego or emotion, so that a constructive solution could be found because this is madness and is accomplishing nothing but spreading hate and dissidence which no one need this close to Christmas and is conducive neither to a discussion of art, moral standards, or anything relating to children

The problem isn't censorship or not. And it is not about people expressing their freedom of speech. The problem is the director of a public school telling the parents of drama club members that if the parents do not approve of the show their kid will not be welcomed. This is a public school where you cannot deny someone acceptance into a club because of a parents standpoint, view, or opinion.

@justanotherstudent: Very good point. hearsay doesn't count. Only the parents have the right to speak about what was said at that meeting.

It is ridiculous that there are students on this thread, fighting, and alienating one another over their parents' concern. You are in high school, and I am sure some of you involved in this thread are seniors and are graduating this year. I am sure that the seniors are upset that this happening but you should not be rude to one another, especially if they are also in the club with you. Come the time next year, when you are graduates, you are probably going to look back at this and realize how ridiculous you are all sounding. Enjoy your high school career, you only get it once. You should not worry about an argument between your PARENTS and school officials, I understand your dilemma with your performance, but leave it to your parents, Mr. Stefanelli, and whatever the board decides. I am sure you will have a play to perform no matter what happens.

The drama directors are employees of the district. The district was established to provide the opportunity of an education to all. There are standards and rules for that cover almost everything in the school system that everyone must follow. Restricting the plays to PG I do not believe will thwart any education, growth or creativity.
Personal attacks and witch hunts should not be tolerated by anyone. This is not the children’s hour, it is real life. No child has been corrupted by being involved in the plays or attending Brick schools. Lets keep it that way

This should have been done one on one with the teacher if it upset you so much.Not in a public forum. Not hiding behind a computer. No one is right in this. It is very wrong. My daughter is a senior at BMHS. She is involved in drama and I couldn't be prouder of her. Here is a reality check for all of you complaining. NO ONE is putting a gun to your kids head.They DO NOT have to be in the High School play, they DO NOT have to be in the crew to help in the play, they DO NOT have to even go see the play, and neither do all the nay sayers.That is the amazing thing about America. I can't believe you are complaning about plays when there is far worse on t.v. and in the movies.They know more at this age then we did when we were there age. I am glad my daughter belongs to a group of people that care about each other. Aren't we forgetting about that? Our kids are in theatre working their butts off to put on a great play. They work hard for themselves and for us. It makes them proud of themselves, and how dare you nay sayers take that from them. Are you trying to ruin these kids memories of their senior year? I assure you I won't let you do it to my daughter. She has come a long way and if she is in the musical in April I assure you I will be sitting in the front row with her 4 year old sister cheering her on all the way, and so will all her family members. Merry Christmas to all of you and try to remember what that means.

The responses and comments that have been made on this article are truly heartbreaking. I am speaking as a current 4 year member of Memorial's Drama Club, salutatorian of my senior class, Student Government President, and Vice President on the Drama Club executive board. As a representative of nearly every party attempted to be spoken for save for parent, I cannot fathom why or how we have reached this point. The arguments have degenerated from parental concerns over the content and approval of school productions to personal character attacks on the director himself. Having participated greatly in every production in my high school career, I have not once witnessed nor been a part of any inappropriate content. Every play I've been a part of, Fools, Pippin, It's a Wonderful Life, Bye Bye Birdie, Rumors and beyond, have had varying levels of mature content. But not once could it ever be called into question that the mature lines or lessons or themes were inappropriate for our age level, out of place or used for any sensational effect. Every line, every action that we perform is done fully comfortable and under full consent, the actor fully understanding the motivation behind it. We learn from these actions, grow, experience and prepare for situations that occur very often in our soon-to-be life. Not once during these productions has any choice's integrity been called into question, because we understood and were just as mature as any material being performed.

Yes, the parents that argue that this is a community funded production are correct. But they repeatedly neglect the fact that these are performances taking place in an educational facility at a high school level. I and every other member of the drama club may join with a desire to perform or tech, but we stay because of a desire to learn, whether it be how to build a set, run a show, or how to respond and act in different situations in life. We grow as a community, through these works that challenge us to progress as individuals at an appropriate level for our age, but are still commonplace in our everyday lives. While these performances can and should be performed for and viewed by the community, the purpose is not to provide mindless entertainment. Our purpose is to learn and grow through these plays, and if that means that we should be analyzing materials suitable for our age and not that of a 2nd grader, our education takes precedence. We are not asked to study at a 2nd grade level in class, why should in be any different in performing? However, I must reinforce again that every piece of material we have encountered has always been appropriate for our age level. I have read every single play through and through. If you have doubts, read them as well.

As for the personal attacks on the Drama director, in addition to being wildly inappropriate and having no place in this conflict, they are also completely unfounded. Any student or parent that has been however minutely involved in Memorial’s drama club could easily tell how much care and consideration our director gives to his students. Every piece of blocking performed, every line reading is the result of a communicative, committed, considerate director who cares about our comfort level and what we are learning. It is clearly evident to those involved that his heart is truly committed to teaching the most he can to his students. I began high school an introverted, unmotivated, shy freshman. I am leaving an ambitious, curious, compassionate young adult, in great part to the lessons taught to me through my director and mentor in theatre. I feel as though I have turned out all right, as have all of my fellow members of Drama Club.

I did not attend the BMHS Drama Club parents meeting, nor did I attend the Board of Education meeting where this topic was addressed. But, in reading through these posts and rereading the article, it seems that the issue isn't so much the profanity and the content, as it is "the attitude towards parents who take issue with the content of shows concerns him." Mr. Stefanelli's take it or leave it "attitude" basically pissed some parents off is my guess. I have another child who is involved in sports; you think Mr. Stefanelli's "tough" is bad, sit in a hs football meeting. Your head would spin. I have learned through years of volunteering, you can't please everyone; and you are bound to piss someone off by a decision you made, or were part of. I'm sure the Board of Education must deal with hundreds of people who have an issue with something in the schools, don't tie up their time by getting them more involved in content approval; leave that for the drama teacher and the principal. Between Mr. Stefanelli and Dr. Caldes, I'm sure they are more than qualified to say what is appropriate for high school students.

To all the nay sayers, Mr. Stefanelli DOES NOT have to do any shows if he does not want to. He does them because he cares about us as students. Knowing from experience, having "drama club" on a college resume is a big deal, so if there were no plays, how would your children be getting into colleges without extra carricular activities? That is the first thing most colleges look at. Most of these kids would not be in ANY club if they were not in drama club. You should be thankful that there is a club that will except everyone, no matter what religion, race, color, sexual orientation, ect. Drama club is a place where most of us feel safe. Do not take this away from us. There are more important things in this world that you should be focused on. It is Christmas Eve! Can't we all just get over it and get along for your childrens sake!? What happens five years from now when we all look back at our senior year(even freshman are being affected by this!) and all we remember is this! It is not fair! Please, do not take away all the great memories we have made as a family. If you do not agree with desicions made, then just please, don't come to the shows and keep the peace. We work extremely hard and all our talent and hard work would just go to waste.This program is the best thing that has happened to me and probably most of the students, so please, stop this. I didn't want to get involved, but too many people, the people I love, my friends, my "family", are getting hurt.

No one seems to remember "that the school district cannot legally allow the content of a play to be changed when it is performed by students." we can not change the script in anyway which means we can elimate any language that may offend people. That is illegal.

But we aren't swearing or cursing as students. We're cursing and swearing as characters. The characters in our books in English class curse, so should we remove all literature that has mature content? That is censorship. And if the high school has to resort to plays with no questionable content, there may not be any students to perform in them. As it is, we have to choose plays based on the number of men who are willing to audition. Who's to say the pool of people auditioning isn't going to shrink if we choose a child's play? As I've said before, you cannot please everyone, and why the parent's wants any more prevalent than the students? We are the ones that have to put our blood sweat and tears into these performances. I spent three months, four-five days a week, two to three hours extra in school to be in Rumors. I don't know if I'd dedicate that amount of time to a play that was for children.

Barnabees Apple: I sincerely apologize if my flustered and energetic state yesterday caused me to write grammatically incorrect statements. However, when people, especially other people who, I might add, have no right to get involved here, or parents of other people who take to attacking teeneagers for something they believe in, it is natural for me to become aggressive. In such a time, my mind is not necessarily concerned with grammar. However, I simply want to say that the last thing I want is for this to cause a riff in my school and my drama club. I am simply stating that I know we stand together and I will fight for what I believe in, just as you will. These students are here to put on dramas, not start them. It just pains me to know that people insist on attacking one of the few things I care about so much. High school is not an easy environment these days, as much as parents or adults may wish to argue that. Things have changed a lot over the past few years. I blatantly must say that it hurts to know people have such a problem with a club that helps students escape all this and grow as people. I know I am not alone. I appreciate your side of the argument, I really do. I do not however, appreciate people talking down about my peers. So, for the record, I understand your argument, I just do not agree with it. Next time, you should try to start a civil argument without tossing accusations and harsh words around first. I am not a fighter, but I will fight for what I love.

Oh and barnabees apple, I have found many more spelling mistakes in your posts than in my own. So why was that the first comment that came out of your mouth towards a high school student? I promise that the students posting here, all of whom I personally know, are of the highest caliber and intellect. So stop treating people who don't share your opinion as incompitent. Because they are not. Besides, comments such as yours are unnecessary and exactly why this feed has become chaotic and out of hand. Those insults make you look immature. Therefore, I will refrain from making any outright insult towards anybody, as I have refrained from doing in my previous posts as well. If anything, the other high school students posting here are showing just how mature they are. Eloquent and understanding. Last time I checked, they were displaying all of the morals and character traits that were apparently being put "in question" by the materials in the plays. Bravo my friends. This unfortunately is battle in a war that can never be won; one of opinion.

Megan, I think you are beautifully displaying just how comprehensive we are. That is half the battle. Getting adults to respect US.

Mr. Stefanelli and Mrs. Roebuck are both gifted and passionate about their craft. The people who disagree with their choice of plays are certainly allowed to voice their opinion. The theater students are no different than members of any other activity or club. I love sitting in the bleachers at sporting events and listen to all the wannabes criticize coaches and even some of the kids. It seems as though many people have this need to insult others especially when they are great in what they do. I was a jock my whole life but I respect ANYONE who gives their all for any kids. Look around and look at how poorly many schools are in certain areas. I call the leaders of activities "coach". Whether it is the band "coach", the singing "coach" the football "coach, the wrestling "coach" the chess "coach" etc. ANY of those "coaches" that go that extra mile for their kids deserve our support not bad mouthing. I have a feeling that some of the negative posters are probably parents of a kid that did not get the part in the play. You know, no different than the daddy that sits in the stands ripping the coach because little Johnny is not a starter on(take your choice).

In the spirit of the season, I'm going to look at the positive side of this issue. I think it's great that this discussion has remained mostly civil. And the majority of the student comments have been insightful and well-written. More astonishing is the fact that this is a discussion with over 130 comments pertaining to something going on in the Brick school system that does NOT focus on middle school sports or the high school footbabll coach!

Everyone seems to think it is just the parents who care and they are restricting their children. But I am a student involved in the play, and I care. I don't care as much about the language, but picking a play like Cabaret- set in a night club with inappropriate dancing and more... It is not just one character doing this but the whole cast. And believe it or not, there are students out there uncomfortable with doing that. That is not a play for high school- I'm not trying to censor anything. Go ahead and see it on Broadway. Those actors there get to choose whether or not they want to be in the play, and if they don't then they can try to find another. In high school, it's this play or no play. I have given a lot of my time for this club, and I think everyone should have a say in what it does. I don't see why it is such a big deal to just pick another play. And why is my opinion so much worse than those who are for it? Am I any less of an 'artist' or actor if I would rather do another play? Just because I'm in the minority doesn't mean I am any less right. I have found that ever since I began to speak up about the play, many members of Drama have hated me for it and I have honestly felt pushed out of the club. This makes me sad because I have been friends with these people for a while, and now because of some dumb play and the immaturity surrounding it, I no longer feel welcome in Drama.

@Yup; That's one reason that Cabaret was declined. Somewhere along the chain of command, someone believed it inappropriate for high school. So really it shouldn't even be brought up. It was an idea, and it was shot down. Just like Urinetown. Not for nothing, but it seems like the BOE does say no to the director's choices, showing that the people in charge do have a voice in what plays are performed.

And as a side note, if you don't want to do the high school play, you can choose to participate in any of the many community theaters in Brick like some of the people in Drama Club do already. In reality, it's not the high school play or nothing. You do have choices.

@Megan I mentioned Cabaret because in truth that was what started all of this. And the community theaters, no offense to them, but they are very cliquey and are very hard to break into that circle. Not to mention, we as students shouldn't have to be pushed out of the school because inappropriate plays are picked. I understand why people wanted to do this play, I'm sure it has a good plot and interesting characters. But when several students and audience members are uncomfortable with it, I would have hoped the Drama Club would have said no to the play ourselves, instead of having it 'shot down' by the Board.

Why should the majority suffer if a few disagree? I'm sure some people still believe that women shouldn't have rights, but that doesn't mean we should rethink women's suffrage. Not everyone is going to be happy. That's what I believe anyway, and to choose a play that everyone agrees with is very difficult. And though I don't know who you are, I don't think you'd be pushed out solely because you don't agree with the play choice. If you think you were, then I'm very sorry.

As for community theaters, I think that is kind of offensive because I know many people involved with BCCT and they're nothing but kind. They accept everyone, so before you bash an entire group of people, you might want to get to know them first. But I guess that's just my opinion!

@Megan I didn`t mean to insult them. I apologize sincerely. They may be very nice but they still stick by their own. That`s really fine anyway because I only wanted to do the school`s plays anyway. but as for women`s suffrage, there used to be few people who thought women should have rights- it has only recently changed. just because they used to be in the minority didn`t make them wrong. and i understand you can`t please everyone with the plays. but i`m not talking about plays that people find boring or stupid- that`s their own problem. but not being able to do a play because of inappropriate material is wrong. there are many many plays out there that could be chosen from that wouldn`t be offensive so i really don`t understand why this had to become such a big deal. and thank you for caring about what is going on. i respect everyone`s opinions about this, yet ever since it was announced that he wanted to do cabaret few people have respected my opinion and others who spoke out against it.

@Yup; While I completely understand why Cabaret could be considered inappropriate, I think that it was a fine play for high school students to do. But I honestly don't see why that's still under scrutiny, seeing as it has been rejected. The BOE agreed with you and said it was inappropriate and that they wouldn't pay for it, which is fine. But Urinetown was rejected because of the name, which really irks me. And plays that you find to be inappropriate others could find to be appropriate which is why this discussion is never going to go anywhere because everyone has different levels of comfortableness with different subjects. I don't mean to sound blunt or anything, but at this point, I've given up trying to explain to people why I think this whole vendetta against the PG-13 plays is ridiculous! I completely respect your opinion, I really do. But I stand by my thoughts that there is no way to settle this. No matter what you do you are going to offend some and speak to others. Some are going to want to get up and leave in the middle of the show, and others will stay and be moved by the content. All I can say anymore is, that's theater!

I am a high school student who currently attends a performing arts high school. Plays are meant for entertainment and to also teach about historical events. Cabaret talks about the problems going on in Berlin during the rise of the Nazis. Now, you all are saying this might be inappropriate; however, aren't your children learning about this event in school? Let us look at another production. Hairspray talks all about segregation, and uses "inappropriate" words to describe each side; however, aren't your children learning about that topic in school? Miss Saigon is a musical all about the Vietnam War. Now, that has "inappropriate" material in it such as prostitutes and violence, except it is talking about something that ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Musicals/plays are meant to teach lessons, open the public’s eye, and to express a writer's thoughts.
I went to see Screen to Stage, and if you were like me, you looked at the poster advertising it. I saw films such as Mean Girls, and the Breakfast Club mentioned on the flyer. Now, "The Breakfast Club" came out in the 80s. If I was a parent, obviously being born before the movie came out in 1985, I probably would have heard about the movie, or even seen it myself. Knowing how the movie has strong language and content in it, I would know it might not be appropriate for a younger child to see. The high school should not censor what shows they do. You as parents should research the show determining if it is appropriate or not.

Well I don't think the part with the Nazis or anything is inappropriate content, just the part about almost everyone in the play being some sort of dancer/stripper type person. I would actually love to do a play involving history, just not one with that sort of content. And there's a difference between watching something on the TV and actually acting it out... So if you are actually a student in the plays, then it matters. There are plenty of plays that students would be comfortable with involving history or whatever. (even the Sound of Music is about WW2 times). So really, why did it matter so much to just pick a different play? Nearly everyone here is hating on everyone else. It should just be a courtesy to the students who worked so hard in the Drama Club to have chosen a play they could actually do in their senior year. I'm not saying the play had to be squeaky clean, I don't care that much. But the content of shows like Cabaret is just unnecessary. The people who are for those kinds of shows call people like me close-minded. Yet whoever says something like that is actually being close-minded because they can't see it from our point-of-view and frankly don't care. (not everyone, just some people) Just because I am uncomfortable with the play and would rather another show be picked my last play of high school, doesn't make me an evil censoring-monster. There are some people who should show more respect for others' opinions all around. (btw Megan this is not aimed at you)

But in the end, this won't really matter to us 5 years from now anyway. So Merry Christmas everyone. I hope more people will be able to be more tolerant of others' beliefs someday. (people on both sides of this issue...)

I go to the Performing Arts Academy in Lakehurst. All of this b.s. above is nonsense. Theater is art. Did anyone put underwear on The David, who is out there in his birthday suit in Italy? Did anyone tell Mr. Cy Coleman that he could not write a show about prostitutes and what they really wanna do in their lives? Sometimes History is considered an art...open up your son's/daughter's history book. It's full of naked people. If you wanna censor theater, then you're gonna have to censor everything else. The best part is, the uncensored plays really are the most detailed and hit the hard facts and deal with the hardships of many things gone about in history. And as a performer, i've learned that in a musical It's not about the performers on stage and what they do, it's about the story they are telling you.

Okay...let's get this straight though. Prostitution, and dressing inappropriately HAPPENS. Go on facebook and check out how many high school girls or even YOUNGER wear close to nothing in their profile pictures (believe me, it won't take you long to find them). If the students feel uncomfortable doing a production, then they should NOT AUDITION. I'm sure they could do BCCT if they want to do a censored show. And to be honest, I have been on both ends of the spectrum. I have played a prostitute, whore, I have also played a guy that hits on the prostitutes. Did I ever once feel uncomfortable? NO! You know why I didn't? Because it is ACTING. Just because you are portraying a "whore" on stage does not mean you have to be one in real life. Theatre is art. Leave it that way. You as grown adults make it seem like us "kids" do not understand what these types of things are. Newflash, we do. So no, these directors should not pick another show. If a kid has a problem with it, don't audition. Simple as that. Hope everyone had a merry chirstmas! :)

Really people!?!?! Are you kidding me!!! ITS ACTING!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Urinetown"? Whatever happened to classics like Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" or Schulberg's "On the Waterfront" or "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams, or Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" or O'Neill's "Long Day's Journey Into the Night"? Those are American classics and worthy of attention over some of the aforementioned. When you have a school system that only hires and retains wet behind the ears newbies, this is what can happen - absolute drivel.

I stand by my statement... the district only hires newbies. Anyone with any experience cannot be hired because the BOE refuses to pay above entry level scale. The diluted inventory of new hires is reflected in a diluted educational system as a whole. That is not merely a Brick Township problem, it is a state wide one and it is discriminatory. Because they cut corners on hiring, the administration continues to enjoy inflated compensation. Students get to deal with newbies or relics.

Why does being a new teacher, make them a bad teacher? You can't get experiance without being a "newbie" at some point. Our directors are amazing and shouldn't be blamed for the shows we are allowed to do. We are limited on the number of actors and actresses we have, espically the actors and for what we believe we can perform. Also, from what the BOE allows us to do. I do somewhat agree that with the reasoning behind denying Urinetown, though it is a great show. And I would love to do the shows KC mentioned, such as "Long Days" and "Death of a Saleman" since I love both of those shows, but can you really tell me that neither of those shows would bring about anything about it being "inappropriate." You will never find a show that is perfect for all ages. We want a show that works for high school students.

As we all know everything performed serves a purpose. The main purpose of the arts is to of course entertain; however, the creative individuals also place real life lessons and morals into the plot to have the audience not only have an enjoyable experience but actually have it impact their everyday lives. As we all know, teenagers today are exposed to profanity in their day to day events, mainly school. Since these undertones happen in the real world, the audience is drawn into the reality driven plot and is intrigued and entertained at the same time which makes for a succesful production. I am a student who was involved in "Rent" last year at Brick Township High School, and let me tell you it was one of the most eye-opening and life-changing experiences of my life. To those who are not aware, Rent is one of the few musicals to win a Pulitzer Prize among many other awards. Our director chose the show based on what we needed to learn about our surroundings. A lesson of tolerance and awareness was a much needed slap in the face for a majority of the students and residents of Brick Township; especially after the then-recent suicide of the Rutgers University student. Each audience member who left the auditorium stated it was the most brilliant production to ever be performed on the Brick High School stage. At the high school level it is all about the learning experience for the cast, the crew, the audience, and even the director. People, there is no better education than that!

First, I'd like to thank all of you who have weighed in. I am high school director in the process of picking this year's show and came upon this thread accidentally. There seems to be an inherent trust issue going on here, and no one seems to see a way out. The analogy to Footloose is actually quite appropriate here. The wide array of opinions can never be bridged in a discussion such as this. You can never appease those who want to see yet another production of Our Town - you can't do it every year. You also have to judge your community when you choose a play, and language is always a huge consideration. I particularly liked the student who defended performance material versus class material - this is perhaps the most salient point thus far. There is no real difference between books and stage, especially when one MUST read the curriculum in that class, that is unless you have substitute books for the likes of Catcher in the Rye. The reality is that the cannon of literature is changing just as fast as that which might be construed as fine theater. Today's kids are forced to be more mature, more adult, and it's our job as educators to put in them in contact with material that will help them work their way out of adolescence and into adulthood. By the way, I am neither a "newbie" nor a "relic" but I like to think that I walk the line of both. I'd love to do The Laramie Project but I know I don't have the support, and I'd die before doing Our Town. The middle's best. Good Luck!

Hark I hear a cannon! Methinks thou doth mean "canon", your point is not lost despite an unfortunate use of synonym. :0)

If parents of students performing do not want their kids involved they wouldnt be and if the community doesnt approve of the subject matter there would not be an audience...obviously the majority loves what our drama advisors are doing or we would have an empty stage and empty auditorium...the students who are involved in these plays are not in the streets, not in gangs, not doing drugs..and correct me if I am wrong but I believe they need to keep a certain grade point average in order to participate? It seems as thoug the days of plays such as Bye Bye Birdie are long gone (my sister did Bye Bye Birdie in 1977!!!).....the kids are involved because they love the choices of productions and its their time now...not ours....they are good kids...I think BTHS has an awesome drama advisor!! She is loved by many students, staff and parents...If she did not care so much it would be easy to just do the productions that have been done to death....she wants (I think) to see the kids be excited and possibly do plays as not to be in the shadow of those who have been on the stage in previous years...just an added comment (I have never commented before so please be kind with your replies to me as I was taught as a child not to be mean to others)

how bout focusing more on the alcohol being served at homes during parties because parents think its "safe".....my 16 yr old has many friends who are allowed to drink at home...shame on those who promote drinking for underage children!!! also lets try to help the kids by getting new uniforms for some of the sports at the middle school level..some teams are wearing unmatching jerseys and using tape to fix the numbers....as a parent I am more than willing to contribute and have those jerseys handed down to the next group of kids after mine graduate but its sad that no one ever talks about these things...I apologize if they do perhaps I just didnt see or hear it!! Happy New Year!!

Urinetown is not profane. It is not risque. It is timely and creative. I was not sure that the word urine was considered a "bad" word. Read it before you comment.

I do have to say, reading these comments makes me happy that there are so many people in Brick Township who are passionate about something other than our football teams (yeah, they're great. We get it). In reading, however, I have seen such ignorance that is far from surprising. I attended BTHS for my freshman and sophomore years, in which we staged and performed numerous productions ("Grease" and "Into the Woods" to name a few). The summer before my junior year, my family and I moved to Voorhees, on the southwest side of Jersey. I attended Eastern High School, one of the best high schools in the state (also one where the budget gets passed EVERY SINGLE YEAR). My senior year (2010), we had the chance to perform "Chicago", being one of the first high schools in the tri-state area to be granted the rights. Not one member of the board of ed had complained about any of the risqué themes in the show. In fact, the board of ed even granted the production team the right to let myself play the character of Mary Sunshine, which is traditionally played on Broadway and the numerous tours by a male in drag. The board of education for Eastern High School was not nearly as worried about the content of our productions as they were supporting the amazing talent that the student body possesses. I know plenty of the kids that I went to school with both at BTHS and EHS have gone on to very successful training and careers in the theatre.

The correct spelling is Stefanelli, and I think some of you parents should find a new hobby...this is pretty pathetic...

Reality~ If your definition of "making it" is fame and great financial fortune, then you are correct. I did not "make it." If, however, the definition of "making it" is the ability to make a living as a working actress for many years with artists that inspired me in a city that I love, while learning and growing as an individual and being able to teach and inspire my child and students ~ then, not only have I "Made It," but, my ideas of success supersede any that I had ever imagined. Have you been given the gift of watching a student grow from novice to full scholarship acting student at NYU under your guidance and direction? Have you had the pleasure of guiding a student away from drug abuse, violence, and fear to a family of actors on stage and off while remaining sober, and shining as a lead in his first play? THAT my friend IS MAKING IT! What a truly blissful life to wake up each morning and love what I teach and where I teach it. Do you enjoy going to work each day, Reality?

Hmm, looks like I definitely hit a sore spot here! Again, I think the real lesson you are teaching your students its that it's extremely difficult to make it as a working actor.
I'm happy for you though that you get to brag about your guest roles to Brick teenagers and here on this board! Guess that's your stage now.

Reality, if you are an adult, please have a friend read your last few posts. They are petty and I am sure not where you planned to go when you first started posting on this site, And Ms. Roebuck, even though I emphatically disagree with you on this subject, why do you feel the need to justify yourself? You are a professional and obviously one with a passion for your work.