Did you know that a play penned in antiquity was still banned in the United States in the 20th century? Or that theater audiences were threatened with excommunication in 17th-century France if they dared attend one of Molière's satires? More recently, a musical set around a famous American talk show host was criticized for its vulgarity, irreverent treatment of Christian themes, and extensive profanity.
Ever since they began putting pen to paper, playwrights have courted scandal and ridicule for the sake of their messages. Lyricists and musicians have also come under scrutiny for their sometimes uncomfortable and contentious content. Ironically, some of the most notorious productions are also among the most successful. So let's revisit the plays and musicals that enraged society and provoked censorship from critics.
Click on and bring the curtain up on the most controversial theatrical productions ever staged.