Parents Guide
BRING YOUR CHILDREN
MTC encourages parents to bring children to see our mainstage shows, but recognise that some plays may not be suitable for all ages or temperaments. Of course, parents are the best judges of what is suitable for their own children, but below we give a rough guide and our recommendation for each play in the season. A click on the titles will lead you to the play pages where there is more information.
2010 PLAYS
SUITABLE FOR A GENERAL AUDIENCE
The Drowsy Chaperone
A family show – bring the kids, especially if they are wised up on American musical lore. For this is a spoof of a 1920’s musical that assumes a 21st century appreciation of the genre. It is archly ironic and sends up the (purported) innocence of the twenties. Therefore, there are a few mild jokes on how far we have come in terms of discrimination of race, gender and sexual orientation.
Songs for Nobodies
A collection of stories and songs about some of the 20th Century’s great Divas – Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline, Maria Callas, Billie Holiday. Sad and funny. Great music.
SUITABLE FOR 12 YEARS OR OLDER
Richard III
One of Shakespeare’s histories and therefore rich in violence, intrigue and aggressive language. But probably no more violent than Harry Potter or Dr Who.
SUITABLE FOR 15 YEARS OR OLDER
The Swimming Club
A realistic comedy drama with a realistically high level of profanity and since it is about middle-aged people reflecting on their younger selves, many thematic discussions of sex, death, cancer, drugs. The amount of nudity depends on the director – it is in the script. There is a drug-taking incident that closes the first act. Not for children – because the themes would not be interesting to younger people.
Madagascar
A grown up play with almost no swearing. Thematically it handles some tough material but in a nuanced way. Older teens may enjoy the play.
The Grenade
An adult comedy in the Australian vernacular. Driven by family conflicts and paranoia, the play has many instances of sexual invective used aggressively as put downs and slurs. A subplot involves two characters writing an erotic novel together. Although older teens are likely to enjoy the comic nature of the play, please be aware that it contains frequent use of strong language and instances of adult sexual behaviour that some might find offensive.
Boston Marriage
A Wildean comedy-spoof in which two privileged women conspire sexually against each other and their virginal maid, replay old sexual jealousies and discuss their sexual conquests. Not for children. Perhaps senior students might enjoy it, particularly if they are also studying Wilde or Henry James.
Dead Man's Cell Phone
This play has darkness running below the whimsical surface. A play dealing with death and grieving. Older children may enjoy it if mature enough to understand it.
Let the Sunshine
A new Williamson social comedy which has a modest amount of the Australian vernacular. Unlikely to be that interesting for young people as its focus is on the lives of people older than their parents.
Life Without Me
An eccentric fable about taking up residence and trying to move on set in a hotel which doesn’t take reservations. Nothing to cause a parent any worry so bring the kids, although it isn’t children’s entertainment.
The Ugly One
A cartoon spoofing adult themes such as cosmetic surgery. Again, not entertainment for kids, but they’d probably get the joke.
SUITABLE FOR ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY
All About My Mother
A play set in the underworld of transsexual prostitutes, drug takers and the theatre. The play and most of the characters make no moral judgements on most of this, indeed are accepting of it. If you wanted to bring someone who was younger than 18, we suggest that you watch the DVD of the movie first to ensure that you and they will be comfortable with the content.