GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas (WFAA) – Grand Prairie ISD has scrapped its production of \u201cLittle Shop of Horrors\u201d after district officials learned of the show\u2019s casting and themes, according to the district.<\/p>\n
Ana Mota, a senior at South Grand Prairie High School, was cast as the male lead, Seymour, before school leaders told her on Oct. 6 that she would no longer play the role.<\/p>\n
Casting changed before cancellation<\/p>\n
Ana said callbacks are for specific roles and students do not choose which roles they audition for. She said she initially got the role of Seymour.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitially, I got it,\u201d Ana said. \u201cAnd now we\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ana said school leaders offered her the chance to split the female lead with another student instead.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was frustrated because I had earned a role and I worked hard for it and I wasn\u2019t allowed to play it,\u201d Ana said.<\/p>\n
District cites state law<\/p>\n
Grand Prairie ISD canceled the entire production after learning about the casting and the musical\u2019s themes, which include the male lead character developing a romantic relationship with the female lead and an abusive relationship. The district said it plans to find something it called more appropriate.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not a compromise at all. It feels more like a punishment to everyone in the cast,\u201d Ana said.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the district said the decision was made as part of its effort to ensure programs comply with Texas Senate Bill 12 and other applicable laws. The law restricts certain sexually oriented performances on public property in the presence of minors.<\/p>\n
Student has played male roles before<\/p>\n
Ana said playing male characters is not new for her. <\/p>\n
\u201cI played Jack in \u2018Into the Woods\u2019 and Pinocchio,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ana and her family plans to push back on the district\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we keep our heads down then nothing\u2019s going to get better,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
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