I really want to do something a little edgy, that would appeal to those of the 60s and college students now. Every college student is familiar with the similiar cultural references included in American Pie and thought that they would be appealed to this production as well. My question is, though, that there is the question of nude appearances on stage. Has anyone done this production and if so, did you avoid this? Are there ways to avoid having the actress nude?

 

We've done Steel Magnolias in the past and never The Graduate. That's why I'm kind of leaning towards TG instead. Could someone please be assistance?

 

Thanks!

 

There's an older play that you might want to read called "Vanities" which was quite popular in the 80's.  It involves 3 women, starting in high school in the late 50's, and taking them scene by scene into their 30's.  I remember it as being quite edgy for the 80's, but I haven't read it in a LONG time and I don't know how dated it might seem now.  But it might be worth a look.

 

The audiences LOVED it!

 

You may think that Mrs. R. would be the toughest role to fill.  Au contraire, it's Benjamin.  That guy is on stage 99% of the show.  Plus, he has a large character development arc.  Of course, Mrs. R. is important, but the Benjamin will make or break your production.

 

Get the script and read it.  There are several scenes that are from the book that were not in the movie, and Mr. Robinson gets a kick-ass moment at the end (in the church)

 

The script does have a non-nudity option.  That's what we did.

 

"Steel Magnolias" is a sure-fire money maker.  But overdone, in my opinion.  "The Graduate" is edgy and people are familiar enough with it to come see the show and find out how it translates to the stage.

 

I say, go for it!!

 

As far as not edgy enough... How about several simulated sex scenes on stage?  Is that edgy enough? 

 

It was a very big success for our theatre.

 

We did Magnolias about a 100 years ago.   I think Graduate has the name recognition and the advantage of being a newer play that's just becoming available for cts. 

 

I directed that non nudity production of The Graduate and it's quite easy to not have nudity.  I just had Mrs. R in a towel come out of the bathroom during scene 1.  Benjamin's reaction was what made that scene. 

 

And the stripper can be done with out as well.  Why does she have to be naked.  Again, we had her "come on" to Elaine in a very forceful way which caused the tears to flow.  It worked out soooooo well.