While we always welcome theatergoers to do their own research, we’ve also taken the liberty to create a handy guide for each one of our shows in the 26/27 Season. Our goal is to provide you with more information and guidance to help you make informed choices you’re comfortable with for yourself and/or your group, and prepare you for what to expect when you come through our doors. Because education is central to our mission, we have also provided some questions that can be discussed after the performance. While these questions are intended for parents/guardians and their children, they are great for any theatergoer!
We encourage you to check back periodically as opening day approaches for updates on possible staging choices that could change the content of these guides. We hope this guide will enrich the learning experience of all our patrons both young and seasoned.
—Melissa Rivera Simpson, Producing Director
(15-minute intermission)
Legally Blonde is the musical stage adaptation of the popular 2001 movie by the same title. It is the story of a young woman in love doing whatever it takes to impress her ex-boyfriend to convince him to marry her, including getting into Harvard Law School. Along the way, she discovers just how much she is actually capable of and finds a source of confidence within herself.
The show contains all the same lead characters from the movie and follows the same central plot with just a few diversions from the original source. The thematic elements such as resilience, confidence, identity, feminism, and stereotypes also remain the same. Like the movie, the musical depicts scenes of sexual harassment and prejudice based on stereotypes. These instances are sometimes portrayed in a serious tone and other times for comedic effect. The script contains some mild foul language sporadically in songs and dialogue and sexually suggestive humor. For example, an included song titled “There! Right There!” could come across as insensitive on the surface, but the scene and number are ultimately performed as a joyous celebration of self-acceptance and equality. Despite elements like this that may feel uncomfortable to certain viewers, the story is ultimately empowering, inspiring, and uplifting.
- Which character do you think changes the most? Which character changes the least? Is that something you were expecting? Why or why not?
- What stereotypes does Elle face? Are they accurate? If not, which ones does she challenge?
- What does the show suggest about making judgements?
(15-minute intermission)
Frozen the Musical is based on the well-known animated Disney movie Frozen. Audiences can expect to see the same recognizable characters, but will enjoy added musical numbers. The title is wildly popular among children, yet still manages to engage adults as the themes of love, fear, identity, sacrifice, and family are multigenerational. The show dives deeper into the emotional complexity that molds sisters Anna and Elsa’s fears, allowing for a more meaningful story arc in their relationship. On the whole, the stage adaptation remains wholesome and family friendly as there is no foul language and does not include mature adult content. Yet, it’s important to keep in mind that some portions of the production, such as dramatic lighting and sound effects, and the theme of parental loss, could be difficult for more sensitive theatergoers. Frozen captures the essence of the movie while providing a more memorable creative spectacle, making this an enriching experience for all ages.
- Why did Anna and Elsa’s parents think that concealing Elsa’s powers was the best way to protect Anna? What would you have done in their situation?
- Was Anna naïve for trusting Hans so quickly? Why do you think she was so confident when she said yes to his marriage proposal?
- What does the show say about love? What types of love and relationships are represented? How is love demonstrated or shown?
Intermission TBD
Come From Away is the narrative-style retelling of the true story of passengers stranded on a tiny island in Canada on September 11th, 2001. Actors portray multiple characters affected by the plane groundings and delve into the unique and personal situations of local “islanders” and visitors. The show gives a unique perspective on how devastation and grief can also lead to human connection and generosity. Major themes include community, selflessness, hope, loss, prejudice, and acceptance. There is a poignant scene that depicts people of several different faiths praying together aloud. Although the show is generally family friendly, there are a few content considerations to keep in mind, such as excess alcohol consumption, a few moments of dialogue with cursing, and references to the 9/11 tragedies that could be difficult for some audience members.
Despite the subject matter, Come From Away is uplifting and inspiring as it grounds the story on the resilience of the human spirit.
- What does the musical suggest about how we treat “outsiders”?
- Why does fear sometimes make people suspicious of others? Can you think of a time you have feared someone or something you didn’t know? What was it that made you fear them?
- How do personal stories affect the way we think about historical events?
(15-minute intermission)
Shrek the Musical is the stage adaptation of the 2001 DreamWorks animated film by the same name. Shrek is a recluse Ogre who agrees to save Princess Fiona in order to get rid of a number of displaced fairytale creatures who have taken over his bog. Through a series of chance meetings and unexpected adventures, he learns the importance of community and the value of staying true to one’s authentic self.
Just like the movie, the musical incorporates slapstick comedy and bathroom jokes. The humor is overall family friendly, but blends satire geared towards older audience members that adults will appreciate. Although the show does not contain any specific adult content, it is worth mentioning that bullying and disparaging remarks against “others” are integral elements throughout the show. The main themes of identity, belonging, friendship, rejection, and false perceptions elevate the story to more than just a children’s show and leave us reflecting on the true meaning of “happily ever after.”
- What sets Fiona apart from typical fairy tale princesses? How does she stay true to herself throughout the story?
- Why does Donkey follow Shrek even when Shrek is rude to him? What does it say about Donkey?
- What does “freak flag” mean in this story? Why is it something the fairytale creatures decide to celebrate?
(15-minute intermission)
This is our Youthstage Spotlight Show, therefore all roles will be played exclusively by youth actors.
Hadestown retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice interwoven with that of Hades and Persephone set in a non-specific poverty-stricken industrial world. Just like the myths, the musical explores themes of trust, control, hope, loss, and fear. Though the original source is very clearly a tragedy, the musical is effective in highlighting the power of love and the value of courage in the midst of despair. The musical does not alter the content of the story, but rather embellishes the beautiful moments of humanity that can sometimes get lost in the straight retelling.
The show tackles some mature thematic elements such as poverty, exploitation of labor, and psychological manipulation, and even questions traditional views of morality when survival is at stake. Alcohol use is also depicted as a form of escapism. While there is no explicit foul language or violence, the atmosphere is dark and can sometimes feel emotionally intense. Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the story is told with genuine optimism for change and reverence for human connection.
- How are the relationships portrayed between Hades and Persephone and Orpheus and Eurydice? Are they positive? Negative?
- How does fear shape the choices of Eurydice, Hades, and the workers?
- How does Hades maintain control over the workers in Hadestown? What role does “the wall” play figuratively and symbolically?
- Do you think hope is portrayed as powerful, naïve, or both?
