2022/23 Season Content Guides
Synopsis
Every Brilliant Thing follows the life events of a young boy who copes with his mother’s suicide attempts and his father’s aloofness, by making a list of every brilliant thing he encounters in his life. The list begins with things such as ice cream and Kung Fu, then becomes complex as he matures. Eventually, the list becomes more than a way to cope, but also a way to pause and appreciate life.
Language
There is some limited profanity used in the play.
Smoking/Drinking
Drinking is casually referenced in this play.
Sex
There are no instances of sex nor nudity in the play.
Violence
This show contains instances and threats of self-harm and suicide.
Other
Mental illness is a central theme of the play.
For which audiences?
Due to the focus on self-harm and mental illness, the play is intended for audiences ages 13+.
Rating
If Every Brilliant Thing were a movie, it would likely be Rated PG-13 for adult situations.
Synopsis
Hailed as one of the American Theater’s most entertaining romantic comedies, Guys & Dolls is a fun joy ride set in 1940s/50s New York. Nathan Detroit pursues setting up the greatest game of craps ever while convincing Adelaide, his fiance of fourteen years, that he still wants to marry her. Fellow gambler Sky Masterson accepts a bet to woo and con Salvation Army missionary Sarah, but they earnestly fall in love despite their differences.
Language
There is some mild sexual innuendo and references to violence used in the play.
Smoking/Drinking
Many of the characters in the play smoke and/or drink. One male character tricks a female character into becoming inebriated.
Sex
The musical includes some kissing and some characters wear skimpy clothing.
Violence
Characters fight, a gun is visible on stage, and a gunshot is staged in the musical.
Other
The musical includes frequent illegal gambling and references to other illegal activities.
For which audiences?
The play is intended for audiences ages 12+, and potentially 10 with parental guidance.
Rating
If Guys & Dolls were a movie, it would likely be rated PG for adult situations.
The Show
Laughter on the 23rd Floor is a comedy about comedy. It is inspired by playwright Neil Simon’s experience as a young staff writer on the 1950’s television variety show- Sid Caesar’s Your Show of Shows. The writing staff spars with each other with competing humor, and attempts to please their eccentric boss/star. They also reckon with invasive studio executives and a McCarthy-led political climate.
Language
While in a comedic tone, profanity is used frequently throughout the play.
Smoking/Drinking
Many of the characters indulge in smoking and drinking in the play.
Sex
The play includes some sexual innuendo and mildly suggestive acts.
Violence
This show contains some violent language as well as minor acts of violence, again in a comedic tone.
Other
Some of the humor references racial/religious identity in an “old-fashioned” manner.
For which audiences?
This play is intended for adult audiences and potentially teens 15+.
Rating
If Laughter on the 23rd Floor were a movie, it would likely be Rated R for adult language.
Synopsis
Geeky flower shop assistant, Seymour, longs for love and companionship. He finds it in a pet venus fly trap with an unworldly thirst for blood and a potty mouth. When he also finds true love and companionship with the love of his life, Audrey, Seymour must make the ultimate choice between the two. Little Shop of Horrors is a dark comedy, commonly accepted as a satirical response to the times in which it is set (the 1960s).
Language
There is limited use of profanity, but there is ample crude humor throughout the show.
Use of controlled substances
Controlled substances such as alcohol and nitrous oxide are used on stage.
Sex/Nudity
Although some characters kiss, there are no instances of sex or nudity depicted on stage.
Violence
While satirical and fantastical in overall nature, there is considerable violence depicted throughout the show, including domestic violence, a sadistic dentist who abuses patients, as well as a flesh-eating plant that wholly consumes multiple characters.
For which audiences?
The play is intended for audiences 13+, or potentially 11+ with parental guidance.
Rating
The 1986 film adaptation of Little Shop was Rated PG-13, which aligns with the content of the stage version.
The Show
Lynn Nottage’s play Clyde’s is meant to indulge audiences’ hunger for an underdog story. Set in a sandwich shop owned by formerly incarcerated Clyde, the play focuses on the employees of the shop, all of whom are also formerly incarcerated. On stage, each character experiences the toll and triumph that comes with putting their lives back together after time in prison for crimes they may or may not have committed. The theme of human sacrifice is palpable in the play as each character realizes the ingredients for a satisfying sandwich can be just as complex as the ingredients for a satisfying life.
Language
Profanity is a part of these characters’ natural vocabulary and is present throughout the play. There are times when characters berate one another with aggressively graphic and at times sexual language.
Smoking/Drinking
Although there is no use of controlled substances on stage, acts of drug use are spoken about. One character struggles with addiction.
Sex
There is some flirtation between characters onstage, in addition to moments of graphic sexual language.
Violence
Violence is spoken about, though not depicted on stage.
For which audiences?
The play is intended for adult audiences or teen audiences under parental guidance.
Rating
If Clyde’s were a movie, it would likely be Rated R for adult language and adult situations.
Have other questions?
Please contact our Box Office at (501) 378-0405 or at boxoffice@therep.org.
