Shock and Awe
FAQ: "Why Aren’t All Your Shows Family-Friendly?" (AKA: Why Did That Actor Just Say That Word?!)
Great question! And one we hear from time to time, usually right after someone gives us a look that says, “Did they really just say that?!” (To which we’ll reply, “Yep, we did.”)
At West Valley Arts, we believe theatre should be as diverse as the people who love it. Some stories are magical and perfect for kids, some are meant to make grown-ups think (or squirm a little), and some… well, let’s just say they’d get a very different rating if they were movies.
So, why don’t we keep everything squeaky clean? Here’s the deal:
1. Some Stories Just Aren’t PG
Theatre is art, and art reflects life—which means sometimes characters make bad choices, say bad words, or fall in love in ways that aren’t just holding hands while a Disney song plays. Sure, we could try to censor every script, but have you ever seen a Shakespeare play with all the innuendos removed? It’d be about 10 minutes long.
And let’s be honest—if you accidentally hit your hand with a hammer, you probably wouldn’t yell, “Oh, fiddlesticks!” Characters in intense situations react the way real people do. Sometimes, that means strong emotions. Sometimes, that means strong language. And sometimes, that means both—especially if a barricade is falling, a pie shop is getting suspiciously busy, or a Broadway audition is on the line.
But it’s also about stories that haven’t been told enough in mainstream theatre—stories from people of color, people with different sexual orientations, and those whose voices have been marginalized. These experiences are real, they matter, and we want to share them. Sometimes those stories are raw, they’re hard-hitting, and they might not be PG, but that’s because they’re vital and honest. Their stories deserve to be heard just as much as anyone else’s. So we create space for them, and yes, that sometimes means we lean into uncomfortable moments that challenge our ideas and expectations.
2. We’re Not a Theme Park (Though We Love a Good Costume)
If every production had to be family-friendly, we’d be missing out on some of the most powerful, thought-provoking, and important stories ever told. Imagine a version of Les Misérables where no one suffers (so… five minutes long). Or A Chorus Line without the dancers being brutally honest about their experiences. Or Sweeney Todd without, well… the occasional meat pie incident. Some shows just need their grit, their intensity, and, yes, the occasional swear word to be true to their story.
Here’s the thing—theatre is not church. Nor should it be. Theatre is a place where stories are told in all their messy, beautiful, complicated glory. And sometimes that includes swearing, singing about tragic love, or...well...a meat pie.
That’s why we mix things up—some shows are all joy and jazz hands, while others take a deep dive into the raw and real parts of life. We think that variety makes for a much more exciting theatre season.
3. There’s Something for Everyone
We totally get it—sometimes you want a night of family-friendly fun, and other times you’re ready for something that challenges you, makes you laugh uncomfortably, or takes you out of your comfort zone. That’s why we offer such a variety of shows!
Imagine this: One weekend, you can bring the kiddos for a delightful musical that’s colorful, charming, and filled with heart (think The Wizard of Oz or Mary Poppins), and the next, you could be diving into a show like A Chorus Line where the dancers are facing their biggest fears, or Next to Normal where mental illness and family dynamics are explored with raw honesty.
Our goal is to have something for every type of theatre lover—whether you’re after something lighthearted, thought-provoking, or even a little dark. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all theatre. Just like people are different, so are the shows they want to experience.
And we don’t just pick shows randomly—we curate a season that offers a balance between fun, dramatic, and more intense experiences. You’ll always find something that speaks to you. If you want to dive into a more mature, edgy show, we’ll make sure you know it’s coming, so you’re prepared. If you're in the mood for a family-friendly evening, we've got that covered too. It's all about giving you the options and letting you choose.
We also love that our flex passes allow you to tailor your theatre season however you see fit. That means you can plan your calendar to fit your vibe: One show could be an inspiring family outing, while the next could be a solo adventure into the thrilling world of musical theatre (with a side of blood and pies). We believe flexibility is key to creating the best experience for everyone!
Whether you're in the mood to sit back and enjoy a heartwarming story or want to be challenged by a gritty performance, we’ve got a show for that. The best part? You get to decide what fits your mood, your family, and your interests, all while enjoying a season that’s anything but boring.
4. We Trust You to Decide What’s Best
Rather than make everything family-friendly by default, we give you the power to choose. That’s actually why we have flex passes instead of traditional season tickets—so you can pick and choose the shows that fit your schedule, your mood, and your family’s preferences. Want to see every production? Awesome! Prefer to skip the more intense ones and stick with lighter fare? We’ve got you covered!
With a flex pass, you’re not locked into a season of shows that might not suit your taste. Want a perfect night out with the kids? You can choose those heartwarming, feel-good performances. Looking for something a little more provocative and mature? Dive into one of our edgier productions! The flexibility is in your hands, and that makes your theatre experience so much more personalized. Plus, it allows you to really dive into the season without the pressure of being stuck with something you might not enjoy.
And here's the thing—for every “why aren't your shows family-friendly?” there’s also a “you know, I'm really glad you guys don’t just do PG shows.” People in Utah can handle a little complexity, a little rawness, a little life. Theatre that challenges, makes you think, and opens up a conversation is just as important as the feel-good classics. We know our audience is smart, diverse, and ready for anything!
5. But We Do Have Boundaries
We know that some shows, like Hair, have made nudity a defining feature of their storyline, and others rely on the "F" word every other word to carry the weight of their message. But here at West Valley Arts, we’ve made the decision to keep things clothed and classy. Sorry, Hair lovers, but we draw the line at bare skin. You might see Tony in West Side Story without his shirt showing off his glorious abs, but you’ll never see everyone’s bits and bobs. And while we understand that some stories use strong language to tell their truth, we don’t lean on the "F" word to carry the emotional weight of our performances. You might hear it once or twice, but rest assured, it’ll be where it truly matters in the story, when it’s setting up a character, or when it’s needed to get the point across, not just for shock value. Our commitment is to powerful storytelling, grounded in character and emotion, without relying on nudity or excessive language to make a point. You’ll get all the drama, passion, and intensity, but with a little more fabric and a little less *bleep*-ing flair.
At the end of the day, it’s your choice. We trust you to decide what’s right for you, your family, and your friends. You’re not bound to one type of show; you’re free to pick a season that feels right for YOU.
Theatre is meant to entertain, challenge, and bring people together. Whether you’re after a fun night with the kids or an unforgettable show that makes you think (or even squirm), we’ve got something for everyone.
See you in the round—no judgment here, just great performances.
Find the perfect show for YOU at: www.wvcarts.org
Support the Arts: Donate Today
Theatre and the arts are facing unprecedented challenges. With cuts in federal and state funding and rising costs due to tariffs, we need your support now more than ever. The future of our vibrant cultural community depends on it.
At West Valley Arts, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to bring people together, spark conversations, and enrich lives. But we can’t do it without you. Your donation helps ensure that we can continue to create powerful, thought-provoking performances and support the artists who make them happen.
Every dollar counts and every contribution, big or small, directly impacts our ability to keep the arts alive and accessible to everyone. Together, we can make sure that the magic of theatre continues to thrive, no matter the obstacles.
Donate today at www.wvcarts.org/donate and help us keep the arts alive for future generations. Thank you for your support!