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Safe in the knowledge that few people would see it, buried as it was behind the annual "Summer Movies" section (a.k.a., "Jack Up the Ad Rates, Pinch Needs More Moose Money"), this Sunday's Arts & Leisure treated readers to a 3,750-word expose by Jesse Green on the shocking state of American theater; more specifically, the way high school plays have gotten bigger and more expensive. You read that right: 3,750 words on how the kids too geeky to make the yearbook staff are now doing Sondheim in better-fitting costumes. Mel Gussow must be rolling over in his grave. Next week in The Times, expect a 5,000-worder from Jennifer Dunning on how little Emily's dance recital now includes real-live swans. AB
The Supersizing of the School Play [NYTimes]