Texas School District Suddenly Cancels Production of Little Shop of Horrors Over Female Seymour

This story originally appeared on The Advocate.A Texas school district suddenly censored a high school production of Little Shop of Horrors after a female student won the role of Seymour. South Grand Prairie High School gave the leading role in the Howard Ashman-Alan Menken musical to Ana Mota, a senior who has performed male and female roles in school plays in the past, according to Dallas NBC affiliate KXAS. But this year, the Grand Prairie Independent School District stepped in after the casting decision and shut the whole production down.Related: L.A.'s 'Little Shop,' With Trans and Gay Leads, Wins Top Casting PrizeIn a statement to local media outlets on Tuesday, district officials cited Texas’ sweeping “Don’t Say Gay” law that went into effect this year.“Recently, a casting decision was made to place a female student in the role of a male character in the school musical. In the musical, a romantic relationship develops between the two main characters. 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. This decision was made in light of the District's ongoing effort to ensure its programs remain consistent with Senate Bill 12 and all applicable law,” the statement reads.“This course of action does not diminish the accomplishments and the talents of these students. 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.”Related: 18 Camp Classic Musicals That Make Us SingAccording to Mota, the issue has never been a concern with prior productions. She also suggested the casting of female students in male roles is more about practicality that politics.“Last year we did Into the Woods, and in Into the Woods I played Jack, who is a male role," Mota said. "In high school theater there's sometimes a lack of