School classes abruptly leave 'School of Rock' mid-performance due to "inappropriate" content
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
According to a Facebook post, multiple classes from two different schools abruptly left a performance of the musical ‘School of Rock’ due to what teachers felt was inappropriate content. The departure occurred in the middle of the show and caused a disturbance among the audience.
The incident occurred at the Ritz Theatre Company in NJ. The classes that left the show were from Hartford Upper Elementary School and Kellman Brown Academy.
The theatre made the following post on Facebook:
“The Ritz Theatre Company would like to take this opportunity to address concerns that have been raised by some parents and teachers in connection with our production of SCHOOL OF ROCK.
During yesterday’s student matinee performance of the show, 5th grade classes from Hartford Upper Elementary School of Mount Laurel and 3rd-5th classes from Kellman Brown Academy of Voorhees were required to leave the show mid-performance after their teachers deemed the show “inappropriate” and “unsuitable” for their respective age groups (8- to 11-year-olds, overall).
“SCHOOL OF ROCK is recommended for ages eight and older and contains occasional strong language.” This is publicly accessible show information that was conveyed to both schools prior to their attendance.
At its heart, SCHOOL OF ROCK is a show about self-love, finding your voice, and discovering purpose, exploring such vital themes as “inclusion, friendship, and personal identity,” according to original production notes. We believe the work on our stage carries out the goals and intentions of the creators who wrote the musical.
It is also our firm belief that the behavior and actions displayed yesterday were in direct contradiction with the values of the show and the values of our organization. To disrupt a live performance in that fashion is a disservice to the cast and crew who all took the time to perform the show yesterday morning, to the front-of-house staff who volunteered to help out at The Ritz yesterday morning, and to the other school groups who were present (and stayed throughout) to enjoy the show yesterday morning.”
They then addressed the students from the schools directly.
“To the Hartford “Team Courage” and Kellman Brown Academy students who were required to leave the show, we’re immensely sorry, especially as we realize that, for many of you, it was your first-ever field trip. To the many parents who have already expressed their displeasure over their children being removed from the show, we hear you and thank you wholeheartedly for your support.
As such, we would like to invite those students and parents to return to The Ritz for one of the remaining performances of SCHOOL OF ROCK, free of charge. Just give us a call at The Ritz (856-288-3500), and we’ll make the necessary arrangements. You have absolutely every right to see this show in its entirety. And we want you to.”
I certainly feel bad for the students that they would have to leave a show in the middle of a performance. I’ve seen the show multiple times and am struggling to figure out what the issue could be, except for maybe some strong language that wouldn’t be enough to earn a movie a PG-13 rating.
I am happy to see that the theatre is offering those students a free ticket to come back to the theatre.
This is, sadly, another example of the state of education in this country. Either teachers are too close-minded when it comes to the arts or are too afraid of backlash in case a parent complains about what their students experience in school.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.