JOHNNY BASEBALL Content Analysis
Park Square wants your theatergoing experience to be as enjoyable as possible. Following is a list of content within the show that may be of concern to some members of our audience. Please understand that some information may give away surprises within the story. The information is provided to help you make informed decisions. Keep in mind that the language and themes outlined below, taken out of context, may seem more offensive than they would be within the context of the actual play.

Johnny Baseball is suitable for adults and older teenagers.

Synopsis
Johnny Baseball was conceived after the Red Sox’s stunning collapse in the 2003 playoffs due to the "Curse", which is often cited as a reason for the failure of the Boston Red Sox baseball team to win the World Series in the 86-year period from 1918 until 2004. The show is told through flashbacks between the fourth game of the 2004 American League Championship Series and the fictional life of Johnny O'Brien.

The musical is a thoughtful investigation of the complicated issues of race in major league baseball as a bellwether for American societal attitudes through the twentieth century. At the heart of the play is a touching love story between white baseball player Johnny O’Brien and an African American singer Daisy who part when Johnny is pressured to live apart from Daisy to keep up the team’s image and sell tickets. His pro-ball career fails as he mourns Daisy’s loss, while hers takes off as a singer in Paris. 28 years later, Daisy sends her son Tim to Johnny, now a trainer, to get Tim ready for a Red Sox try out. Daisy confesses Johnny is Tim’s father. Johnny trains him, but the Sox remain an all-white team in 1950’s and Tim’s pro career dies just like his father’s did. The musical ends with David Ortiz ending the Curse in 2004.

With lively music and an engaging story, Johnny Baseball packs a thoughtful commentary on American social history into a funny, heartfelt and spirited musical that will bring cheers and tears to baseball fans everywhere.

Adult Language
The show contains adult language. This includes variations of f*ck (1 time), pr*ck (1 time), b*st*rd (7 times), d*mn (2 times), wh*re (6 times), b*st*rds (10 times) and multiple expressions invoking God’s name (there is a song titled “God Bless the Red Sox”) (50 times).

Violence
None.

Drugs/Alcohol/Smoking
Characters drink at the stadium, in nightclubs and hotels; drunkenness is portrayed. Babe Ruth lights a cigar in his hospital room.

Sexual References/Nudity
Some action set an African-American nightclub/brothel, characters refer to “going upstairs” and the proprietress tries to “recruit” Daisy into the business. Characters reference God striking someone blind for touching himself followed by a song titled “God Won’t Mind (If you touch me).” Another song lyric rhymes “Novenas” with “Touching my penis.” No nudity.

Other Mature Themes
Orphaned ball players speak of being “bastids” and sing a song called “Brotherhood of B*st*rds”

Running Time
This show runs approximately 2 hours, with one 20 minute intermission.