Parents, students and community defend Newtown Middle School ‘Craft Players’ after complaints over Something Rotten production

A controversy over Newtown Middle School’s recent production of the musical Something Rotten dominated public comment at the March 20 Council Rock School District board meeting, with multiple parents, former students and community members speaking both for and against the show and the district’s notification practices.

In public comments, Joseph White told the board he found the musical ‘‘inappropriate’’ for 12‑ to 14‑year‑old performers and said he had not received a permission slip stating the play’s title or rating. ‘‘What should have happened was full disclosure, a permission slip stating the play title, rating, as well as the reasons given for such a designation,’’ White said.

Several other speakers strongly defended the program and its director, Mark Dolan. Julie Lambert, a co‑founder of a community arts group and longtime district volunteer, told the board that craft productions are vetted by administration and that Mr. Dolan had edited the Broadway script to remove or soften material. ‘‘This PG‑13 show was … further edited by Mr. Dolan. Cuts in the script were made to address language and content changes for the comfort and appropriateness of the students,’’ Lambert said.

Multiple parents and alums described detailed advance information being available to families and said students and families had the chance to review materials before auditions. Laura Graham, whose son was a lead in the show, said organizers “provided a link to the unedited Broadway show well in advance before auditions,” and that families had “plenty of time to decide.” Kelly Sineke and Kevin McCormick described Mr. Dolan as ‘‘a consummate professional’’ and credited his instruction with long‑term student success; McCormick said his son later won a music scholarship and is attending a conservatory.

Why this matters: the comments reflect tension over how schools balance artistic choices, age appropriateness and parental notification. Directors and the administration said the program has established communications channels, while at least one parent asked the board to consider formal permission slips listing show titles and ratings.

Administrative and procedural notes

Board members and administration noted existing communication channels. Mr. Senko (superintendent) met with at least one concerned parent and told the board he was receptive to requests for clearer parent notification. Several speakers said the school posted cast information and resources on Canvas and provided links to the show’s soundtrack or full Broadway production for review.

No formal board action was taken at the meeting on the topic. The public comments included a request from Joseph White that the board change district policy to require explicit permission slips listing titles and ratings for middle‑school productions; board members did not vote on that request at the March 20 meeting.

What speakers said (selected)

• Joseph White (Newtown Borough): ‘‘What is the purpose of having the students put on such a play? … What should have happened was full disclosure, a permission slip stating the play title, rating…’’

• Julie Lambert (Newtown resident, CRAFT co‑founder): ‘‘All craft productions are vetted and approved by administration before they are decided upon for production… Cuts were made to address language and content changes for the comfort and appropriateness of the students.’’

• Laura Graham (Newtown resident): ‘‘I believe the responsibility of communicating goes both ways… There was full transparency there to see if this is something we believed our children should or should not participate in.’’

• Kevin McCormick (Newtown Borough): ‘‘Mr. Dolan’s support encouraged Connor’s continued involvement in musical performance… We’re fortunate that our children have had an exceptional and well respected teacher like Mr. Dolan.’’

Ending

Board members and the superintendent said they would continue to review communications practices; parents and staff may pursue policy changes through the district’s policy committee or by raising the issue with administration. No disciplinary or personnel actions were announced at the meeting.