Most productions at Olney Theatre Center come with a quick rating that corresponds to those used by the Motion Picture Association of America. Since those ratings are imperfect and different patrons have different concerns, we created this more in-depth guide. It allows you advance knowledge of specific content that may or may not be deemed problematic or triggering. Do not hesitate to contact us with questions prior to purchasing tickets if you have concerns. Please note that all ticket sales are final.
2021-22 Season
The Thanksgiving Play
September 29 - October 21, 2021
Language: ass, vagina, bitch
Adult Behavior: abstract discussions of race, representation and erasure
Sexual Content: One character talks about using sex to get what they want, one section has overt sexual innuendos when referring to chicken breasts and legs
Violence: Descriptions of historical massacres and wars, including simulated beheadings for comic effect
If this were a film it would be rated PG-13 for satire, mild sexuality and some strong language
Disney’s
Beauty and the Beast
November 5, 2021 - January 2, 2022
Language: n/a
Adult Behavior: references to drinking and smoking
Sexual Content: Nothing overt, a coquettish feather-duster and buffoonish misogyny
Violence: Slapstick, Gunshots, some hungry wolves, storybook fights and threats of violence, one character does die
If this were a film it would be rated G for all families
AD 16
February 4 - March 6, 2022
Language: ass, mother-effin, damn, dammit, whore, masturbators, bish
Adult Behavior: References to biblically prohibited acts
Sexual content: Vague longings and innuendo but nothing explicit
Violence: references to stonings, burnings, lashings
If this were a film it would be rated PG for unrequited romance, biblical punishments, and irreverent humor
Dance Nation
March 2 - April 3, 2022
Language: A ton of explicit language including but not limited to fuck, shit, cunt, pussy, bitch, cock, cum
Adult Behavior: references to drinking and smoking
Sexual Content: multiple explicit, raunchy descriptions of sex acts including masturbation, oral sex, and depictions of menstruation
Violence: Self-mutilation, emotional violence, one dancer breaks their leg
If this were a movie it would be rated R for explicit language, overt and graphic sexuality
The Joy That Carries You
May 11 - June 12, 2022
Language: fuck, shit, vagina, nipples
Adult Behavior: some characters drink wine, frank discussions of race and ethnicity
Sexual Content: the show is about a lesbian couple
Violence: offstage
If this were a movie it would be rated R for explicit language
Meredith Willson’s
The Music Man
June 17 - July 24, 2022
Language: shipoopi
Adult Behavior: the main character is a con-man, the moral hazard of billiards
Sexual Content: very, very mild expressions of romance
Violence: n/a
If this were a film it would be rated G for all audiences
Special Events
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
November 26 - January 2, 2022
Language: liberal use of obscenities, overt and explicit sexual humor in reference to human anatomy
Adult Behavior: The star is a Trans Diva Rock Star wannabe. So...references to a sex change operation, lots of offstage nihilism, frank discussions of transgender identity. Partial nudity.
Sexual Content: Frank discussions of homosexual sex acts, the “angry inch” refers to the remains of Hedwig’s penis following a botched sex change operation.
Violence: n/a
If this were a film it would be rated R for sex, drugs, and rock n roll. Plus partial nudity.
National Players Tour 72
By William Shakespeare
Synopsis: Fairies, thespians, and runaway lovers all find themselves wandering the forest at night. With the fairy king and queen scheming, the lovers escaping, and the ragtag troupe of actors hastily rehearsing a show for the duke’s wedding tomorrow, what more could go wrong? When a fairy named Puck accidentally misapplies a love potion and purposefully transforms an actor into a donkey, it will take more than magic to set things right. Get lost in the forest with the National Players in the most epic romantic entanglement of all time. A magical comedy that’s fun for children and adults alike.
Language: Very minimal, ass (but in reference to a donkey)
Violence: Threatened executions
Sexual Content: Everyone’s in love, but there’s no explicit reference to sex, at one point a character is bewitched to fall in-love with a donkey
Adult Behavior: Some characters are rude and with few manners and a penchant for physical humor
If this were a film it would be rated PG for Shakespearean innuendos and magical love spells
A Raisin in the Sun
By Lorraine Hansberry
Synopsis: The members of the Younger family dream bigger than the small house where they live on the south side of Chicago in the 1950s. When their deceased father’s insurance money comes through, those dreams might actually become reality. Walter Lee wants to run his own business and earn financial independence, but his sister Beneatha dreams of attending medical school. Meanwhile, their mother Lena wants to move them all to a bigger home in a white neighborhood. What will finally allow the Youngers to move up in the world, and who will have their dreams deferred? National Players is honored to portray this award-winning drama with a universal story about an African American family dealing with prejudice, history, and a world where everything changes.
Language: damn, goddamn, hell, use of “nigger,” “negros,” and “colored”
Violence: slaps, mention of lynching
Sexual Content: minimal, mention of kissing
Adult Behavior: drinking, discussion of abortion
If this were a film it would be rated PG for mature themes such as racism
