Cast members replaced hallway flyers for the fall musical “Side Show” today after several teacher complaints.

The flyers read “Come look at the freaks.” The use of the word “freaks” in the slogan offended some people, principal Alan Goodwin said.

“I understand the allusion and the slogan’s relationship to the musical, so I didn’t think they were offensive,” Goodwin said. “But I also understand that others may feel uncomfortable with it.”

“Side Show” promotes acceptance and inclusion of people who have deformities and may be considered “freaks,” so the complaint was unfounded, senior producer Erin Pearson said.

“I understand where the concern is coming from, but ‘Come look at the freaks’ is the first line of the show,” she said.  “Saying that we’re not allowed to have the posters up is like saying that we are not allowed to put on the show.”

Some student actors felt it was unfair that they had to replace the flyers.

“People often get offended out of context,” sophomore Abby Lederman said. “’Freaks’ are crucial to the musical itself.”

The word ‘freaks’ doesn’t necessarily have a negative connotation, as many performers, like Lady Gaga, are proud to be ‘freaks,’ director Christopher Gerken said.

“I think on a social level this generation is very active at taking terms that may have been historically exploitative and using them for inspiration and independence,” Gerken said.

The new flyers read, “Come gape at the geeks,” the second line of the opening song.