[MissyChrissy]

has her selling candy cigarettes as part of her act I didn't even think they made candy cigarettes any more.

While I understand and respect the art of acting, I'm a little disappointed they'd include this in a middle school play and have a 12-year-old girl "selling" cigarettes...candy, or otherwise.

Am I wrong for raising an eyebrow on this? I haven't said anything to anyone. I don't know if I should make it an issue or not. After all, it's just a play. She's acting. That should be the end of it right?

Oh-the play is "Bugsy Malone"

[JeanLynn81]

If it was me, I would probably let it go. BUT I don't have a 12 year old either ...

I saw what looked to be a group of 12-15 year old girls walking down the street smoking cigarettes the other day. Chances are, the kids in your daughter's play know what they are already.

And if anything, this gives you a GREAT opportunity to discuss the dangers of smoking with your daughter.

So bad news, cigarettes are exposed to children as young as 12 (even when I was that age, I could have smoked one). Good news-its not "cool" to smoke anymore. My cousin's 15 year old said the kids who smoke are the oddballs. So, thats good.

[PamalaLauren]

Well I don't know. Is this a play on the bad things cigarettes do? In that case I see nothing wrong with it although I'm just as surprised as you that they are even made anymore.

[twinzplus3]

Hmmm. . .I think I would raise an eyebrow but I'm not sure how much I would make of it. Have you read the whole script? Bugsy Malone, IMO is NOT appropriate for middle school bc of adult like themes. So I think I would read it and if it has many questionable things, I would say something highlighting several things that seem inappropriate. If however, that's just one tidbit I'd probably not say anything. When I did plays in middle/high school, students were heavily involved in the production so if that was one kid's idea on how to make it authentic I'd hate to "squash" him--KWIM? It's a tough call though.

The issue to me isn't that kids already know whether or not those are real cigarettes or even whether or not they should be smoking. The issue to me would be one of age appropriateness. I suspect that the whole play pushes the boundary line.

[QueenAngie]

Our school's policy is NO tobacco products or alcohol on school property. Period.

While this is a school play, too bad they can't change it to something like
M&M's.

Who chose this particular play?

[MissyChrissy]

It's my understanding the drama instructor(s) chose the play. I'm not familiar with the plot at all. I only know my daughter said she was selling cigarettes in the play, and when I did a double-take she goes, "Don't worry mom, they're candy cigarettes."

My children's school policy too is no tobacco. I think they all have that policy. The employees aren't even allowed to smoke on their breaks on school grounds.

It isn't that my daughter doesn't know what cigarettes are. My husband & I just quit smoking a little over 2 years ago, so she's been over exposed. She knows the risks-and so far she is adamant that she'll never smoke.

I know there has been talk about banning all cigarettes and the like from any PG-13 movies, shows, ads, etc. I kinda thought the school would follow in this philosophy. I'm sure my daughter will take the candy cigarettes in stride. I just felt concern for the other kids in the middle school who are going to be watching this play. But apparently, based on some comments above, the candy cigarettes are going to be the least worrisome.

[twinzplus3]

How would your daughter feel about you saying something. Would she die of embarassment?

[Englisher]

I m sure you have talked about tobacco use with your daughter. Does she feel right about "selling" cigarettes?
The original film Bugsy Malone is about a gangsters feud, and all characters are played by children - portraying adults. Bugsy is essentially a childrens film but with adult themes. In the original film, much of the action takes place in Fat Sams Speakeasy, a bar, with showgirls and the like. I personally have a very strong stance against the use of tobacco and wouldn’t want to be seen to even pretend to sell it. If as a family that is your stance, and in turn your daughters, maybe you could encourage her to stand up to her drama teacher. It could drive the point home to the teacher in question more so than if it was you brining it up…?

[MissyChrissy]

Thanks for the ideas. Jessica wouldn't care if I said something, she's a unique child & if I asked her to, she'd say it to her teacher herself. But after talking to her again, I see that in her opinion she's only being an actor, it's only a play. She thinks it's ironic the school would have that piece in the play, but she's not disturbed by it. So she thinks she has more brains that the administrators who put the play on...most 12-year-olds do think that anyway. This time, she does have a point.

I've decided I'm not going to worry about whether it sends the wrong message or not. If I (or my daughter) said something and had the candy cigarettes removed, someone out there would have issue with the "integrity" of the play. For some, drama is as serious business as politics is to another. If Jessica were to pursue an acting career (I don't think she will, but...) she'd invariably have to play many roles that are not things she'd do. I've decided that is her lesson-to act like she IS a cigarette selling girl.

[kmomteach]

One of our local schools did a play one time and the actors (middle school) were using the fake cigs. that you can buy. The play was The Outsiders. I am major against tobacco because my dad died from lung cancer and I lived through the horror of smoking. I would feel uneasy about it but I don't know if I'd make a huge stink over it. Would the play have the same effect without them? If so maybe suggesting that it be changed is an idea. I suppose if it is a part of history and protrays the true story of the play then they might not want to change.