Pennsylvania School Cancels KISMET Production Because of 9/11

According to the Associated Press, Richland School District, outside of Pittsburgh, has decided to cancel a production of KISMET (a musical about a Muslim poet) because the community 'complained about the timing so soon after the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.' Instead, the school will stage OKLAHOMA!

Superintendent Thomas Fleming commented: "We're not saying there's anything bad about the musical. We may potentially produce it in the future." 

Council on American-Islamic Relations spokesman Ahmed Rehab said on the controversy, "Those in education ought to know that more than anyone," Rehab said. "We're a country of immigrants. It's doesn't stand true to our legacy as a nation. I think they need to reinstate the play."

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Kismet is a musical with lyrics and musical adaptation (as well as some original music) by Robert Wright and George Forrest, adapted from the music of Alexander Borodin, and a book by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, based on Kismet, the 1911 play by Edward Knoblock. The story concerns a wily poet who talks his way out of trouble several times; meanwhile, his beautiful daughter meets and falls in love with the young Caliph.

The musical was first produced on Broadway in 1953 and won the Tony Award for best musical in 1954. It was also successful in London's West End and has been given several revivals. A 1955 film version was released by MGM.