“What Happened to Free Speech and Artistic Expression?”

Within days, the Town of Parker’s January 20 request that Pride flags be removed from a musical number in Shrek the Musical at the PACE Center was all over social media — not just in Colorado, but nationwide.

Rather than quietly altering the staging, the cast chose a different response. During the January 23 performance, actor Bekah-Lynn Broas broke the fourth wall just before the number. Standing onstage, she told the audience that the cast had been asked not to fly the flags they had rehearsed with, and explained that the cast had met during intermission and collectively decided to perform “Freak Flag” as originally staged, Pride flags included.

Maybe Pride flags are too freaky for some in Parker, but the cast has received an outpouring of support in the comments on the Westword Facebook post of the story. Says Chris:

Imagine going to live theater and being offended at a Pride flag…like, diva, do you know where you are?

Agrees Brock:

So, let me get this correct…someone went to a live theater production, a musical, and was offended by the Pride flag? First time seeing a musical? I’d be afraid to find out what would have happened if they met the cast and crew.

Responds Sylvia:

As a Parker resident and avid patron and promoter of the PACE Center — they got it wrong this time. I’m embarrassed for them and hope there’s some learning that went on here. I’m unbelievably proud of the cast and artists…defenders of artistic integrity, freedom of expression, and getting the “freaking” point of this lovely show.

Points out Taylor:

It’s Shrek; the whole musical is about being different and owning who you are. These people are insane.

Argues Austin:

Shrek is a kids’ thing. Why should sexuality have anything to do with it? Be proud all you want — it’s a free country. But literally just any chance there is, the Pride flag comes out. Sexuality is supposed to be a private thing, in my opinion. Society doesn’t care what you do in the bedroom.

Says Quinn:

I’m here to make Parker more queer! (And accepting!) As a resident of Parker, I’m really ashamed of this. They do have a church on every corner, but didn’t Jesus himself bring the community together regardless of who they were?

Counters Chelsia:

I’m really disappointed to see Parker being painted with such a broad brush. A few residents complaining does not represent the town as a whole, and many of us proudly support Pride and inclusive arts. Please stop blaming an entire community for the actions of a handful of people. 

Wonders Cheryl:

So, what happened to free speech and artistic expression? If people don’t want to see that, they don’t have to go.

Muses Colleen:

Maybe dress up the actors in riot gear and assault rifles to be more in line with what’s acceptable.

Concludes Krista:

Clutch those pearls.

Shrek‘s run continues through February 8 at the PACE Center in Parker. Have you seen the show? What do you think of the controversy? Post a comment or share your thoughts at editorial@westword.com.