Letter: I Got the High School Musical Canceled, and I Would Do It Again

Editor’s Note:

At OnStage Blog, we often feature stories that celebrate the power of theatre to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Personally, I disagree with this parent’s actions. I believe in the importance of allowing students to wrestle with difficult material and trust educators to guide them responsibly. However, I also believe in listening, even when it’s uncomfortable. This letter is presented in that spirit: to hear directly from someone whose decision sparked intense conversation. Agree or disagree, this is her perspective, in her own words. Just to note, they didn’t include the name of the show. While that might help with context, I also think it’s interesting to hear this perspective without adjudicating whether or not I think the show was or wasn’t appropriate. ~ Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

Dear OnStage Blog,

When I read “Bravo, You Killed the Show”, I knew right away it was about people like me. And yeah…I’m that mom.

I’m one of the parents who once spoke up when our high school announced their spring musical. I read the script, and honestly, some of what was in there made me uncomfortable. Not just for the students performing it, but for the younger kids who’d be sitting in the audience. I’m talking about elementary schoolers, little siblings, neighbors. School shows aren’t just for students, they’re for families. And this particular show had content that I felt just wasn’t right for that setting.

Look, I get it. People were upset. They said we were censoring art or ruining the students’ chance to do something meaningful. I know theatre is supposed to challenge people and push boundaries. But high school isn’t Broadway. These are kids, and they deserve to perform something they can actually relate to and feel good about doing. And audiences deserve to show up without worrying about having to explain mature themes to a second grader on the ride home.

What really got to me, though, was the reaction. The anger. The social media comments calling us “those parents.” It felt like anyone who had a concern was immediately written off as anti-theatre or closed-minded. That’s just not fair. I wasn’t trying to ruin anything. I was trying to protect the kids. All of them.

In the end, the school made the call to change the show. And guess what? The new show was still great. The students still got to shine. Families still came out to support them. No one’s love for theatre was crushed, and no one had to cover a five-year-old’s ears during Act Two.

I’ve sat in those seats crying during final bows. I’ve supported every production my daughter’s been in. I love theatre. But I also have a responsibility as a parent. And if something doesn’t feel right, if I think it crosses a line, I’m going to say something. That’s what we’re supposed to do.

So yeah, if I had the chance to go back and do it again, I would. I’d ask the same questions, raise the same concerns, and hope for the same outcome. Not because I’m against bold stories, but because I believe school theatre should welcome everyone, not just those who think edgy equals better.

Thanks for hearing me out. Even if we don’t agree, I hope this helps explain where I’m coming from.

Sincerely,

A Concerned (and Still Supportive) Theatre Mom