Texas school district cancels 'Little Shop of Horrors,' citing concerns over state law
A Texas school district has canceled a high school production of "Little Shop of Horrors," citing concerns about the musical's themes and compliance with state law after a female student was cast in the traditionally male lead role.
Grand Prairie Independent School District, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, confirmed the cancellation of the musical at South Grand Prairie High School, where a female student had been selected to play Seymour, a male character who develops a romantic relationship with a female character.
The horror-comedy musical follows Seymour, a florist who discovers a mysterious, bloodthirsty plant that brings him fame and fortune while demanding increasingly deadly sacrifices. The story also explores Seymour's feelings for his co-worker Audrey, who is involved in an abusive relationship.
In a statement to ABC News on Wednesday, the district acknowledged the casting decision but also pointed to the musical's themes involving an abusive relationship as factors in its decision to cancel the production.
"When District leadership learned of this issue and in consideration of themes in the musical involving an abusive relationship, a decision was made to pull that production and find something more appropriate," the district said.
Officials said the decision was made as part of the district's ongoing efforts to comply with Texas Senate Bill 12, enacted in 2025, and other applicable laws.
The law, which took effect Sept. 1, 2025, expands parental rights in public education and places restrictions on instruction, activities and programming related to sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools. It also addresses diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and certain school policies. The law does not explicitly prohibit students from portraying characters of a different gender in school theatrical productions.
"The Grand Prairie ISD is conscious of the guidance provided by our leadership in Austin," the district said. "Our goal is always to comply with not only our own local policies, but also state and federal law."
The cancellation has drawn objections from Ana Mota, the South Grand Prairie High senior who said she was originally cast in the role of Seymour before being told she could no longer play the role and being offered to share a female lead role instead.
"I was frustrated because I had earned a role and I worked hard for it, and I wasn't allowed to play it," Mota told ABC News affiliate WFAA-TV in Dallas, adding of the district's cancellation of the musical, "It's not a compromise at all. It feels more like a punishment to everyone in the cast."
Mota did not immediately reply to ABC News' request for comment.
The district, meanwhile, maintained that the decision was intended to ensure compliance with applicable laws without diminishing students' achievements.
"This course of action does not diminish the accomplishments and the talents of these students," the district said in a statement. "Rather, we want to ensure that we do everything in our power to put them in a position to be successful while adhering to state and federal law."
