Check Ratings Before Buying Tickets!

Submitted by Libby Harford, Box Office Manager
We see rating systems everywhere. From movies and television shows to video games, but have you ever wondered what a musical production rating actually tells you? When choosing a musical to bring to our community, Dutch Apple looks at the ratings provided by the organization that licenses the production rights. One of the largest licensing companies, Music Theatre International (MTI), licenses popular titles such as Les Misérables, Beetlejuice, and Dear Evan Hansen. MTI assigns familiar ratings like G, PG-13, or R to help theaters and audiences understand the intended audience for each production and what they can generally expect.
While that perspective helps guide licensing decisions, a show’s rating may also reflect factors such as language, mature themes, innuendo, or other material that may not be appropriate for every audience member.
We always encourage our patrons to use their own judgment when deciding which productions to attend. A rating is a helpful starting point, but it’s only one factor in deciding if a performance is right for you. Taking a few extra minutes to read a plot summary, explore reviews, or learn more about a show’s themes can help ensure the performance you choose is one you’ll enjoy.
Theater is for everyone—but every show may not be for everyone. And that’s part of what makes live theater such a diverse and exciting art form.