But we live in a zero-sum universe, and Oregon high school theater has its sad news as well.
High school play hits stop sign
February 21, 2009 11:34 am
A play in production at La Grande High School that stirred parent protest because of its adult content was struck down Friday.
La Grande School District Superintendent Larry Glaze announced he is directing that the play, “Picasso at the Alpine Agile,” be canceled. Glaze made his decision after a La Grande parent, Melissa Jackman, submitted an official protest against the play Tuesday. LHS students were in their third week of rehearsals for the play, which had been scheduled to be performed April 23-25.
Jackman, in her complaint, asked that the play be canceled, a different one be performed in its place or that all of the adult content be deleted or substituted.
This play is so "innocent" compared to Rent, which even in its "school edition" has references to mutual masturbation and pissing in the street, such extreme local action makes La Grande, a university town, look backward indeed. Don't these parents know their kids are on the Internet being exposed to far more "adult material" than what's in this play? All the more reason to applaud the principal and administration at Wilson for its good decision making in letting the play go on.
Seeing this show is inspiring. It gives me faith in the younger generation. What a good experience to see it.
12 comments:
That's sad to hear... however, I can affirm that not all hope is lost for Oregonian high school theater! My own high school (which is in Oregon), put on RENT this fall, and will be putting it on once more for State competition in the spring. Also, last year we put on an absolutely heart-wrenching production of The Laramie Project. Both plays were received warmly; we even managed to get Matthew Shephard's mother to speak at a school assembly! So don't lose hope just yet; change is on its way. ;)
I know Madi Shanley and, to be honest, that is no surprise at all. She has always been extremely talented and out there, and I'm so glad to see that she got some recognition.
Dylan, what's your high school? Great news to hear about your productions.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review of our daughter, Madison's, performance in the Wilson High School Musical, RENT. Your words brought tears to her eyes last night.
If I'm not mistaken, Dylan (Angel), is from South Eugene High School. Madi and I attended their RENT performance and it was outstanding. I would pay $40.00 to see those talented kids perform again.
I'm so proud of Wilson for honoring their commitment to "include", not "exclude", opportunities to share differences in our society. It hasn't been easy to hear the ridicule that I have received by allowing Madison play a Lesbian in this play. But, I'm very proud of my daughter for honoring her convictions, believing in her Director and her cast members.
In Madison's own words:
"A beautiful image of friendship and love is portrayed in this play and we have all learned a wonderful lesson from it. Thanks to all for dedicating your time to help us express the gifts we've been granted in life".
Thank you, Madison, for sharing your gift with us.
Sounds like you're a great parent. Thanks for letting your daughter be in the play.
I am playing Pablo Picasso in the play Picasso at the Lapin Agile that was planned to be put on at La Grande High School. Even though the play was "canceled," we are still rehearsing, looking for a new venue, and tomorrow night, appealing to the school board. We could use as much support as we can get, we're trying to get the story to run in the Oregonian, but the East side of the state is lucky to get one story in it a month haha. If you want the full story as of last weekend, please see a video that I produced for journalism class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez1dnZF9DOU
richie, I embedded your video both on my blog and Facebook page. What's your email address? I'd like to keep up to speed on this.
Wow, thank you Della! I certainly wish I was in a position where I could come to see your show as well (assuming that it hasn't closed yet), because it sounds like it - and your daughter - are great. :) Is she coming to State? If she is, I insist on meeting her in person.
Picasso at the Lapin Agile has been officially canceled by the La Grande School Board. Where do we go from here?
richie22147@gmail.com
Dylan (Angel), Here's my e-mail address: ds97219@aol.com Get in touch with me so that I can learn more about the State competition. Madi's a Freshman, so we're new to the High School theatre opportunities.
You were so instrumental to the success of RENT at South Eugene. I believe "Angel" is the nucleus for that play. If he's good (like you) there won't be a dry eye in the room at closing. I couldn't find enough tissue at the end of your show. Bravo!
Write to me off line, and share your ideas about other opportunities that Madison can explore. She needs a good mentor:)
You came on a pretty hard day for the cast. We had lost our Angel due to illness and had a very unprepared cast member take over the role. Madi is an amazing singer, and so is our main maureen. I hope you were able to see another performance.
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