No Pricks Allowed: A Musical Critique on Anti-Vaccination Movements
Imagine a movie about a group of people who are creating a controversial comedy stage musical celebrating the anti-vaccine movement. The film would be titled 'No Pricks Allowed.' This is a double entendre, with 'pricks' referring to the needle pricks and jabs associated with vaccinations, as well as insensitive jerks, symbolizing one of the producers who cannot accept the sincerity of the anti-vaxxers. This producer's opposition is profound, as it is revealed his parents refused to vaccinate him, resulting in the loss of his ability to have children when he came down with mumps.
Plot Overview
The musical is set during a pandemic reminiscent of the ongoing global pandemic. A frustrated and bored parent engages in a Google search and stumbles upon a discredited anti-vaxx medical doctor's self-published paper. Intrigued and concerned, she believes he has "the Truth" and creates a network of like-minded individuals. This growing community begins to attribute various ills, from misbehaving children to epilepsy and autism, to vaccinations. They see the doctor as the savior in their quest for purpose and escape from the monotony of the pandemic.
Rehearsal and Production Struggles
As the musical progresses, tensions arise during rehearsals. The difficult producer insists on the character portraying a 10-year-old boy wearing old-fashioned clothing for the costumes, despite the costume mistress and actress's objections. This fruits of her decision-making lead to delays and distraction, underscoring the importance of her role in publicity and cash flow, rather than costumes. Another producer sings, "He Doesn’t Get It," highlighting his frustration with the director's focus on trivial aspects over the production's core mission.
Political Backdrop
A subplot reveals the politicians' tactics in leveraging their messaging to dissuade people from getting vaccinated. During a pivotal TV news segment, enraged activists watch their leaders strategize and congratulate themselves on tactics that prioritize visibility over public health. They shout, "What about the parents?," expressing their weariness of constant uncertainty and the impact on their children's education and life.
Realizations and Revelation
During an intermission, a child, trying to get his mother’s attention, reveals that he has conducted online research debunking her anti-vaccination stance. The difficult producer breaks down, singing, "Because I Lost My Shot," detailing his own family's failure to vaccinate him and the consequences of his loss. The grandmother, initially convincing the mother that the vaccination was for school and sports, later reveals the truth: the child's parent was not an only child, and a sibling passed away due to illness. This revelation prompts the surviving parent to leave the advocacy group, singing, "What I Wish I Knew When," expressing regret and unresolved grief.
Conclusion and Context
The piece ends with a complex and nuanced look at the consequences of anti-vaccination beliefs. While the musical remains a comedy, it underscores the devastating realities that arise from such movements. 'No Pricks Allowed' not only entertains but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of evidence-based medical practices in our society.
Keywords
- anti-vaccine musical
- comedic stage production
- pandemic drama