Grand Prairie ISD cancels Little Shop of Horrors over Texas law
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Ana Mota, a senior at South Grand Prairie High School, was cast in the lead male role of Seymour in the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors, continuing her history of gender-blind casting in theater roles.
- The school district canceled the production after officials learned a female student was cast in a male role, citing concerns related to Senate Bill 12, which restricts instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Grand Prairie ISD stated the cancellation was due to the musical's themes involving a romantic relationship and an abusive dynamic, aiming to comply with state law and ensure appropriateness.
- Mota and her mother expressed confusion and frustration over the decision, emphasizing the historical precedent for cross-gender casting in theater and criticizing the cancellation as unnecessary censorship.
- The district has not yet announced a replacement show for the canceled production.
