2024-2025 Content Advisory
What follows is a list of items that we believe may be found offensive by some audience members. If you have concerns about content, feel free to look over this page. As you do so, please keep in mind that the words listed, taken out of context, may seem more offensive than they would in the context of the play.
Please Note: Orlando Shakes allows children age five and older to attend our Signature Series performances. Children under five will not be admitted to our Signature Series productions.
The content listed below has been created before the show opens, so we are unable to list every objectionable moment that may occur during the performance.
What the Constitution Means to Me
RATING PG-13
Violent Language
Adult Language
Adult Content
SYNOPSIS: Don’t miss this funny, fast-paced, and warm production – that ultimately inspires hope. The emotions run deep in this politely confrontational, out-of-breath Tony-nominated whirlwind story that took Broadway by storm in 2019! Follow playwright Heidi Schreck’s journey through the complexities of American democracy, gender equality, and the evolving interpretation of the United States Constitution!
ADULT LANGUAGE: Use of the word “Faggot”, Discussion of legal cases such as Roe V. Wade, Dred Scott V. Sandford, and Castle Rock V. Gonzales, Discussion of depression and use of term “battered women syndrome”
VIOLENCE: Discussion of Abortion, Sexual Assault, Murder, and Domestic Violence. Conversation around political violence against women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, and Native Americans.
FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: What the Constitution Means to Me is centered around American law and politics. It is most appropriate for Ages 15 and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, What the Constitution Means to Me, would be rated “PG-13”. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theater.
Macbeth
RATING PG-13
Language
Use of Alcohol
Sexual Themes
Violence
Frightening Content
SYNOPSIS: Three witches decide to confront the great Scottish general Macbeth on his victorious return from a war between Scotland and Norway. The Scottish king, Duncan, decides that he will confer the title of the traitorous Cawdor on the heroic Macbeth. Macbeth, and another General called Banquo, happen upon the three witches. The witches predict that he will one day become king. He decides that he will murder Duncan. Macbeth’s wife agrees to his plan. He then murders Duncan assisted by his wife who smears the blood of Duncan on the daggers of the sleeping guards. A nobleman called Macduff discovers the body. Macbeth kills the guards insisting that their daggers smeared with Duncan’s blood are proof that they committed the murder. The crown passes to Macbeth. More murders ensue and the bloodied ghost of Banquo appears to Macbeth. Lady Macbeth’s conscience now begins to torture her and she imagines that she can see her hands covered with blood. She commits suicide. Macduff kills Macbeth and becomes king. bardstage.org
LANGUAGE: Elizabethan curse words.
ALCOHOL: Characters are seen drinking wine.
SEXUAL THEMES: There are sexually suggestive scenes. No nudity.
VIOLENCE: There is stage violence, battle, blood, and murder. A number of characters are murdered, including young children.
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: There are intense battle scenes. There are scary scenes with witches. The murder scenes are frightening as is the attack on a household as everybody, including children, are slaughtered.
FOR WHICH AUDIENCE?: Macbeth is a tragedy fueled by greed, betrayal and madness. There are battle scenes. The play is best suited for 8th graders and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, Macbeth would be rated “PG-13.”
A Christmas Carol
RATING PG
Spooky Content, Ghosts
SYNOPSIS: The annual tradition continues at Orlando Shakes with the return of one of Central Florida’s favorite holiday classics! The miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Come see this classic, heartwarming at Orlando Shakes – a magical and musical spectacle for the whole family!
SPOOKY CONTENT: Ghosts appear in the production. Skeletal figures representing “Ignorance” and “Want” are presented. The Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is a giant hollow-faced puppet and may scare very young children.
FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: A Christmas Carol is a holiday story with an uplifting theme of generosity toward others. It is most appropriate for 3rd graders and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, A Christmas Carol would be rated “PG.” Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theater.
Henry VI, Part 2: She Wolf of France
RATING PG-13
Language
Stage Fighting and Death
Crude Humor
Suggestive Themes
Use of Alcohol
Violent Reference
SYNOPSIS: Orlando Shakes continues the exciting saga of Shakespeare’s Henry VI trilogy! A love triangle, a plot to murder, and a rebellion are all part of this thrilling tale – centered on the Wars of the Roses! In this raw, “Bare Bard / Original Practices” production, Orlando Shakes’ actors will perform the play with less than 40 hours of rehearsal, no designers, and no director – just like the acting companies of Shakespeare’s time! Don’t miss this exciting next chapter in Orlando Shakes’ popular Fire & Reign Series – Bring your passport and pick up your stamp, en route to earning your “I survived the Wars of the Roses” dog tag!
LANGUAGE: There are invocations of God’s name, some of which might be considered profane.
ALCOHOL: There may be alcohol consumption in the play.
SEX: None. Bawdy gestures may be a part of some of the lower class characters’ behavior.
VIOLENCE: Henry VI, Part 2: She-Wolf of France is a historical drama. Violent battle scenes are depicted on stage including sword fights, stabbing, and death. Depiction of decapitated heads.
FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: The play is best suited for grade 6 and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, Henry VI, Part 2: She-Wolf of France would be rated “PG-13.” Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theater.
Cabaret
RATING PG-MA
Sexual Themes Language & Situations
Gender Fluidity
Alcohol and Smoking References
Scantily Clad Characters
Antisemitism
SYNOPSIS: Let Orlando Shakes take you back to Berlin in the late 1920 where, inside the Kit Kat Club, a spotlight shines on the colorful, gritty, and hedonistic lives found inside. Don’t miss this landmark musical that is filled with iconic songs and electrifying dance, including Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number Cabaret. It’s an astonishing and eye-popping tale that has renewed resonance in today’s political climate. “Your table’s waiting” for this winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical!
LANGUAGE: Adult obscenities and suggestive language. Antisemitic language.
SEXUAL CONTENT: Sexual situations and gestures, gender fluidity, homosexuality. No nudity, but there are scantily clad actors in revealing costumes.
ALCOHOL/SMOKING: Alcohol and cocaine are consumed. Theatrical cigarettes are smoked on stage (no nicotine).
VIOLENCE: References to violent behavior. One character is beaten.
FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: Cabaret is an adult musical. The play is best suited for Grade 8 and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, Cabaret would be rated “PG-MA.” Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theater.
Welcome to Matteson
RATING PG-13
Racist and Adult Language
Themes of Racism, Class and Culture
SYNOPSIS: Don’t miss this dark comedy that Inda Craig-Galován showcased as part of Orlando Shakes’ PlayFest 2020! Patricia and Gerald are quite proud of the life they’ve built in suburban Matteson, Illinois. They host a welcome-to-the-neighborhood dinner party for their new neighbors, Regina and Corey. The big difference with these guests: they were forcibly relocated to Matteson when Chicago demolished its roughest housing project, Cabrini Green. Classism, internalized racism, and issues of choice/access complicate and threaten to destroy not only the dinner, but their relationships, as well!
ALCOHOL: Beer and wine are consumed. There is an insinuation that a character is an alcoholic.
LANGUAGE: Racist and adult language (ex: ass, hell, F-bombs, N-word, Jesus, shit, bitch, etc.)
FOR WHICH AUDIENCES: Welcome to Matteson is an adult dark comedy about race, class and culture. It is most appropriate for Grades 8 and up.
RATING: If it were a movie, Welcome to Matteson would be rated “PG-13.” Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theater.