Can a Middle School Put on RENT School Edition?

Question by Anastasia Von Fluffington: Can a middle school put on RENT school edition?
I’m bringing ideas for my drama teacher for next year’s spring production. I heard that there’s a school edition of Rent, and it’s supposed to be more “age appropriate” than the original, but it’s still, according to MTI, rated “R”. Do you think a middle school can do it?
Thanks!
If this is a little too much for us, are there any other shows that we can take into consideration?
Anything but Disney.

Best answer:

Answer by Russell E
Well, I did some research about it for you. I’ve never seen the show, show didn’t know the content.
Evidently, there is homosexual content and/or themes in the show and has frank discussions of drug abuse and H.I.V.
(which, I guess got some parents up in arms when high schools presented it.)
http://theater.nytimes.com/2009/02/20/theater/20rent.html?_r=0

I guess that makes it a little more racier than “Glee”, which I’ve noticed has gay characters in it.

May be OK for most high schools in California, say, but I wouldn’t do it in the midwest or south, or upper eastern US. Lots of tight assed conservatives around there.

I’d think you probably should play it safe and not do that particular show. It still has a “mature” theme I’d guess is still a little much for 12-13 yr old kids.

I think it’s fine, but you know how parents are……
Many people would applaud the bravery and tolerance the school showed in presenting it, but I’d bet that it could generate a lot of negative publicity and possibly endanger the teacher’s and possibly principle’ s job.

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