Some Drama Over High School’s Planned Staging Of Smash-Hit Musical

There’s some controversy in the Bristol Township School District over Harry S. Truman High School’s proposed staging of the smash-hit musical “Chicago.”

The vaudeville-type musical is known for its salty language and tells a story of homicide, adultery, violence and greed that is set during Prohibition era Chicago. The play has been a hit on Broadway, during several international tours and on the silver screen.

In spring 2018, Truman plans to stage “Chicago” after receiving approval, with some restrictions, on Monday evening from the school board.

After an initial vote that saw the school board shooting down Truman’s proposed staging of “Chicago” with a 5-3 majority, the governing body voted unanimously to approve the play with contingencies on profanity, outfits and suggestive scenes during a second vote.

Truman Principal Lyndell Davis said he drafted up the contingencies after having some concerns over the content of the musical that features many adult moments, including “a lot” of profanity.

“I just can’t understand,” said resident Barbara Bill, who is also running for school board in Tuesday’s primary. “To say ‘no’ to a show that will have every seat filled … I just don’t understand it.”

School Board Member Aaron Richardson said he hopes to make the play “as family friendly as this play can be”.

Superintendent Dr. Melanie Gehrens and Davis said they will review the musical before it is staged and work with the director.

Any script changes will have to be run past the publisher when the district purchases the exclusive regional rights to “Chicago.” Gehrens said she is confident the profanity removal can be accomplished.

While Truman isn’t any stranger to controversial plays – gaining national acclaim in the past for stagings of “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Rent” – Davis said this is his first high school where he has worked that has allowed profanity in musicals.

“I know we’ve done some edgy drama here in the past,” Davis acknowledged. “But if you cross the line, you’re jumping off the edge.”