An R rating in the movies means that children under the age of 17 are not permitted to view. What does an R rating for a high school play mean?
That is the question that the Upper Freehold Regional School Board of Education is trying to determine. Should they allow the Allentown High School students perform in an R-rated show? The play in question is “Rent: School Edition.”
As a parent of an Allentown High School (AHS) student, I am greatly disappointed to hear that the AHS administration is permitting the play “Rent: School Edition” to be the 2009 spring performance. The AHS students were given clues in September and October that led many of them to believe the show was either “Beauty and the Beast” or “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” How innocent their minds can be at this age and what a great disappointment that we are “crushing” their innocence with such a controversial show.
What is AHS trying to achieve with such a questionable show? I cannot believe that the administration of this great school will allow this to occur.
Where is the Board of Education on this subject? They are determining whether an R-rated movie has the same meaning as an R-rated play. “Rent: School Edition” is rated R and is an adult content show. The subject matter does not belong on the stage of our local high school.
I am a resident of Millstone and have brought my children to see the AHS performances of past, “Suessical” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Aren’t high school plays supposed to be community events where children are proud to perform for their family, friends and neighbors? Shouldn’t the community be excited to see the quality of work that usually performs on the AHS stage?
Our high school students should not be exposed to the material that is in “Rent: School Edition,” nor should anyone under the age of 17. I cannot in good conscience bring my sixth-grade daughter to this adult show nor allow my ninth-grade daughter to perform in “Rent: School Edition.”
I am asking the community to contact the AHS and tell them that you don’t want this play in our high school. If we don’t all stand together, “Rent: School Edition” will be performed this spring. Let’s not allow that to happen in our community.
Kathy Toth
Millstone