Philly theater company’s dark comedy ‘Unformed Consent’ brings unlikely subject to limelight

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 Scott Sheppard and Alice Yorke of Lightning Rod Special theater company are co-creators of ''Unformed Consent,'' a dark comedy about abortion. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Scott Sheppard and Alice Yorke of Lightning Rod Special theater company are co-creators of ''Unformed Consent,'' a dark comedy about abortion. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

This week, Philadelphia theater company Lightning Rod Special is performing a musical comedy about abortion called “Unformed Consent.”  It’s billed as a “theatrical revue of abortion, fetal development, and your right to know.”

Daring, right? Perhaps not for this company known for its off-Broadway Obie award-winning show “Underground Railroad Game” that dived head-first into conflicting views of race and sexuality, woven along with Civil War history lessons.

I don’t think I’ve entered a conversation that addresses abortion in a comedic light — punctuated with show tunes — ever. And please note: This interview with the show’s co-creators Scott Sheppard and Alice Yorke, which you can listen to by clicking the audio button above, may not be for everyone.

The short run of this show ends Thursday at the Painted Bride. The performances are free; suggested donations benefit two local women’s organizations.

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