I was pleased to read that the Church Education System had canceled the play "Philadelphia, Here I Come" during Education Week in Provo, Aug. 15-19. The drama department was quoted as saying that it was a surprise, as they had not heard any complaints about the production. There have been complaints; they were just not voiced publicly. We had encouraged our family to attend during Education Week until we saw the production July 28.
The same things that were objectionable in this production were in other productions recently produced at BYU. However, we did not know this before we attended.We were surprised that the director chose three faculty members for three of the main characters in the play and had a professional set designer come in to do the set. He was quoted as saying that he felt the real age differences needed to be in this play. As we watched the play, we were sorry that BYU students did not have the opportunity to display their talents in those roles. Many could have. Every production we have seen at BYU has had excellent actors and sets.
We left this production without being uplifted, as you would want to be when attending Education Week.
Geraldine Walters
Provo