http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/11762
Replies
25
SoWal Expert
Thanks to the Rep the Rep supporters for giving these kids a happy ending!
It is important, and it makes me proud to be part of such a great community.
Beach Fanatic
Thanks Seaside for advancing cultural perspectives and awareness, and the ability of children (and I daresay adults) to exprerience a broader world about them. Thanks for allowing them to make their own judgements about censorship and what should or shouldn't be censored.
Edited
SoWal Guide
Good article. Break a leg, kids!
http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/11762
short article, so let's post it...
New life for 'Blithe Spirit' at Seaside
Performances are scheduled for Feb. 27, 28 and 29
Andy Meinen
Saturday February 2nd, 2008
Comment on this Story | Read Comments
The Seaside Repertory Theatre picked up the maligned play after the Walton County School Board voted 3-2 in November to keep the play on the curriculum but off the stage this year at South Walton High School.
The comedy about a man being haunted by his ex-wife caused an uproar when some parents thought the play could hurt students’ views on monogamous relationships and encourage exploration of witchcraft and the occult.
Kevin Boyle, the play’s director at Seaside, says that’s ridiculous.
“It’s a funny thing because the entire play is a farce, so none of it should be taken seriously,” he said. “It’s upsetting that there are some people that are so bent on pushing their beliefs on people that they are tampering with the curriculum in a high school.”
excellent. thanks seaside rep!
Beach Fanatic
Ticket info?
BTW, I'm so proud of Kevin and the Rep, and most of all these fantastic and creative and plucky kids for doing this!
BTW, I'm so proud of Kevin and the Rep, and most of all these fantastic and creative and plucky kids for doing this!
Beach Comber
Here's the full article from Sunday's paper. I'm not sure why it was so short online.
------------------------------------------
Blithe Spirit’ gets new life at Seaside
Performances are scheduled for Feb. 27, 28 and 29
By ANDY MEINEN andym@nwfdailynews.com
SEASIDE — “Blithe Spirit” lives.
The Seaside Repertory Theatre picked up the maligned play after the Walton County School Board voted 3-2 in November to keep the play on the curriculum but off the stage this year at South Walton High School.
The comedy about a man being haunted by his exwife caused an uproar when some parents thought the play could hurt students’ views on monogamous relationships and encourage exploration of witchcraft and the occult.
Kevin Boyle, the play’s director at Seaside, says that’s ridiculous.
“It’s a funny thing because the entire play is a farce, so none of it should be taken seriously,” he said. “It’s upsetting that there are some people that are so bent on pushing their beliefs on people that they are tampering with the curriculum in a high school.”
Boyle feels sorry that the students had to see censorship like that. He thought that the people calling for the play to be taken off the curriculum didn’t understand the true spirit behind the work. Boyle said the protests centered on a mock s?ance.
Walton County Superintendent of Schools Carlene Anderson said initially the play had to be “sanitized,” and a few references to drinking and some foul language were to be taken out. But she found out that “Blithe Spirit” could not be changed because of copyright law, and she didn’t want to open the district up to a lawsuit.
Despite the foul language and the parts with alcohol, the play is a quality piece of work that actually shows the students that they shouldn’t be like the characters they are portraying, Boyle said. Most of the characters are bad people and shouldn’t be emulated, he added.
“Sometimes I feel like it (the play) is an after-school special, and I say (to the students), ‘Look, you don’t want to be like them.’ ”
British playwright Noel Coward wrote the play in 1941 as German bombs fell on London in the opening years of World War II.
Boyle said Coward wrote a comedy to take Londoners’ minds off their constant fear.
Walton County School Board member Mark Davis voted to allow the play and agreed with Boyle’s assessment.
“I’m thrilled for them (the students),” Davis said.
Davis, who was an English major in college, said he reread the play during the board’s discussions and still believes it wouldn’t have been a problem.
Even with all the attention orbiting “Blithe Spirit,” Boyle said the high schoolers have been resilient. They rehearse three or four times a week at the theater. Working with high school students has been enjoyable because they take direction easier than adults and can be ushered along as actors.
Boyle wants to uncover the students’ talents to show the community and the School Board that they were wrong for not allowing the work to be performed.
“We want to take it to the top,” he said.
Boyle said he tells his actors, “You can show them that this play is a great vehicle to progress as actors.”
Performances will be Feb. 27, 28 and 29. Tickets cost $15, with proceeds to fund Seaside Repertory Theatre’s internship program.
Boyle said the community has shown an outpouring of support. Many donations for the nonprofit theater have been earmarked for “Blithe Spirit.”
K.C. Shaffer, senior at South Walton, is grateful that the theater “stepped up” and decided to produce the play. Shaffer, 18, also said that there are certain benefits from working at a professional theater.
“We’re more focused,” she said of the cast. “That high school element has been taken out. I wish I could do plays here all the time.”
Shaffer expects the theater will be packed for the performances.
“People are going to come to see what all the (malarkey) was all about,” she said.
------------------------------------------
Blithe Spirit’ gets new life at Seaside
Performances are scheduled for Feb. 27, 28 and 29
By ANDY MEINEN andym@nwfdailynews.com
SEASIDE — “Blithe Spirit” lives.
The Seaside Repertory Theatre picked up the maligned play after the Walton County School Board voted 3-2 in November to keep the play on the curriculum but off the stage this year at South Walton High School.
The comedy about a man being haunted by his exwife caused an uproar when some parents thought the play could hurt students’ views on monogamous relationships and encourage exploration of witchcraft and the occult.
Kevin Boyle, the play’s director at Seaside, says that’s ridiculous.
“It’s a funny thing because the entire play is a farce, so none of it should be taken seriously,” he said. “It’s upsetting that there are some people that are so bent on pushing their beliefs on people that they are tampering with the curriculum in a high school.”
Boyle feels sorry that the students had to see censorship like that. He thought that the people calling for the play to be taken off the curriculum didn’t understand the true spirit behind the work. Boyle said the protests centered on a mock s?ance.
Walton County Superintendent of Schools Carlene Anderson said initially the play had to be “sanitized,” and a few references to drinking and some foul language were to be taken out. But she found out that “Blithe Spirit” could not be changed because of copyright law, and she didn’t want to open the district up to a lawsuit.
Despite the foul language and the parts with alcohol, the play is a quality piece of work that actually shows the students that they shouldn’t be like the characters they are portraying, Boyle said. Most of the characters are bad people and shouldn’t be emulated, he added.
“Sometimes I feel like it (the play) is an after-school special, and I say (to the students), ‘Look, you don’t want to be like them.’ ”
British playwright Noel Coward wrote the play in 1941 as German bombs fell on London in the opening years of World War II.
Boyle said Coward wrote a comedy to take Londoners’ minds off their constant fear.
Walton County School Board member Mark Davis voted to allow the play and agreed with Boyle’s assessment.
“I’m thrilled for them (the students),” Davis said.
Davis, who was an English major in college, said he reread the play during the board’s discussions and still believes it wouldn’t have been a problem.
Even with all the attention orbiting “Blithe Spirit,” Boyle said the high schoolers have been resilient. They rehearse three or four times a week at the theater. Working with high school students has been enjoyable because they take direction easier than adults and can be ushered along as actors.
Boyle wants to uncover the students’ talents to show the community and the School Board that they were wrong for not allowing the work to be performed.
“We want to take it to the top,” he said.
Boyle said he tells his actors, “You can show them that this play is a great vehicle to progress as actors.”
Performances will be Feb. 27, 28 and 29. Tickets cost $15, with proceeds to fund Seaside Repertory Theatre’s internship program.
Boyle said the community has shown an outpouring of support. Many donations for the nonprofit theater have been earmarked for “Blithe Spirit.”
K.C. Shaffer, senior at South Walton, is grateful that the theater “stepped up” and decided to produce the play. Shaffer, 18, also said that there are certain benefits from working at a professional theater.
“We’re more focused,” she said of the cast. “That high school element has been taken out. I wish I could do plays here all the time.”
Shaffer expects the theater will be packed for the performances.
“People are going to come to see what all the (malarkey) was all about,” she said.
Beach Fanatic
Go Seaside Rep and Mr. Boyle !!! Looking forward to seeing the play. You should be very proud of your involvement !
Beach Lover
I urge any and everyone who does not like having the heel of someone's boot embedded in their back to go see this show.
SoWal Expert
I understand the tickets go on sale this Wed., Feb. 13th? Do we call the Rep box office? I don't want to pass on incorrect info, so Kase or Kevin please give us the tix buying details!
Just a reminder-this is only a 3 night run. It WILL sell out quickly, so mark your calendars not just for the performance dates, but for ticket buying this Wednesday too!
Just a reminder-this is only a 3 night run. It WILL sell out quickly, so mark your calendars not just for the performance dates, but for ticket buying this Wednesday too!
needs to get out more
850 231 0733
Feb. 27, 28, 29
7:30 pm
$15
make those reservations now.
Feb. 27, 28, 29
7:30 pm
$15
make those reservations now.
Beach Fanatic
Hey - piss on the censors. Post all the foul **** here so we can read it without edit.
SoWal Expert
Hey - piss on the censors. Post all the foul **** here so we can read it without edit.
No censoring necessary. This is professional theater.
Beach Fanatic
Are you kidding - I got the SoWal.com stars (****) of censorship for the dreaded "s" word? What good naughty words will the "professionals" say in the play since we can't read them here?
needs to get out more
the best way for you to find out would be to buy a ticket. the script may be a pretty good avenue also.
Beach Fanatic
Love to see the play the John. Also love to see the gosh darn hypocrisy on this board. Oops - can I say that?
needs to get out more
Love to see the play the John. Also love to see the gosh darn hypocrisy on this board. Oops - can I say that?
Can you elaborate a bit? which hypocrisy are you referring to?
SoWal Expert
Love to see the play the John. Also love to see the gosh darn hypocrisy on this board. Oops - can I say that?
This thread is about the production of Blithe Spirit at the Seaside Rep. If you have an issue with the 4 letter word censorship on SoWal.com, then take it up with Kurt. If you are just trying to pick a fight, go elsewhere.
Beach Fanatic
Way to go Seaside,
SoWal Expert
Get your tickets!! They are going fast!
I know some SoWallers that are traveling a very long distance to attend this show!!
http://www.seasiderep.org/
I know some SoWallers that are traveling a very long distance to attend this show!!
http://www.seasiderep.org/
Skunky
The $1000 chair is worth the price of admission alone.
needs to get out more
The $1000 chair is worth the price of admission alone.
unless it got paint splattered on it...
SoWal InsiderAuthor
unless it got paint splattered on it...
..............Just one of the dangers of theater. Plus, no gum chewing back stage
SoWal Expert
unless it got paint splattered on it...
troublemaker!Skunky
unless it got paint splattered on it...
No fears, a $300 fabric guard warranty was purchased to insure the celebrated chair.
Beach Fanatic
Oh man, from what you guys are saying, I can't WAIT to see the set!!!! 
Beach Comber
I saw the set on Saturday. It had just been whitewashed, so it had this nice sanitarium vibe to it. Archway looks awesome, though.
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