Grand Prairie ISD president backs cancellation; Frozen replaces musical

At the Oct. 15, 2026, Grand Prairie ISD regular meeting, Board President Emily Liles said trustees supported the superintendent’s decision to cancel South Grand Prairie High School’s planned production of Little Shop of Horrors. Ana Mota, a 17-year-old senior cast as Seymour, a male role, addressed the board about the cancellation. The school announced Frozen as the replacement.

Liles said the decision did not reflect on students’ accomplishments or talents. Her public support was not a reported board vote on the cancellation. The change meant students’ planned production was replaced, while Mota said she intended to audition for Frozen and was happy with the replacement choice. Her stated plan does not establish that she was cast in the new production.

The district cited state law without naming a provision

The district said it canceled the musical to keep its programs consistent with Senate Bill 12 and other applicable law. In a written explanation to KERA, the district also cited the musical’s romantic relationship and abusive-relationship themes. KERA reported that the district did not identify which provision of the 2025 law it believed applied to the production.

The Senate Bill 12 name refers to separate Texas laws enacted in 2023 and 2025. KERA reported that district representatives discussed the 2023 law during an Oct. 8 meeting, but a district spokesperson later clarified to the outlet that the district meant the 2025 law.

The Texas Legislature’s summary describes the 2025 measure in broad subject areas, including parental rights, student clubs, school requirements, instruction, social transitioning, and diversity, equity and inclusion duties. The summary does not establish a specific prohibition on a female student playing a male character.

KERA also reported that a recording of the Oct. 8 meeting captured district representatives discussing possible public backlash. That account does not establish backlash as the district’s sole reason for canceling the production.

Mota disputes the decision

Mota said she believed the cancellation violated Title IX. That is her allegation, not a legal finding. CBS News Texas reported that her family was considering legal action; the report did not establish that a case had been filed.