School Cancels Rent Production: "There is a stripping scene and a prostitute"
Officials at Monrovia High School have halted a production of the musical Rent after deeming the subject matter "inappropriate" and finding that several students and parents were not comfortable performing in a play that dealt with AIDS and homosexuality and that contains "a stripping scene and a prostitute," according to Monrovia Patch.
The school's long-time drama teacher, Marc Segal, is surprised that his request to put on Rent for the spring theater season was rejected, since it was the "high school" version of the play which omits some language and one song and contains "no stripping scene." He's even more surprised because the school is known for staging controversial plays, including The Laramie Project which deals with the murder of a young gay man in Wyoming. Segal points out that all earlier "edgy" plays at MHS were approved by previous superintendents.
Linda Wagner, current MUSD Superintendent says, "There has been a change in leadership. I want every child and parent to find [a play] to be acceptable."
Twenty-three high schools around the country are planning to stage Rent this year, including South El Monte High School which will debut the musical in February.
Segal is now searching for another play his drama students will be allowed to perform this season, but worries his choices "probably would be deemed inappropriate anyway." He may even resign.