Grand Prairie ISD has canceled South Grand Prairie High School’s planned production of “Little Shop of Horrors” after a 17-year-old student was cast as Seymour, the musical’s male lead. Ana Mota, a senior, had begun rehearsing for the role after auditioning in a gender-blind casting process. She had played male roles before and spent hours learning Seymour’s lines and songs, according to the account of events. About a week into rehearsals, school officials told her the district was removing her from the part because she is a girl. The district then decided to cancel the entire production and find another show. In a statement, Grand Prairie ISD said the musical includes a romantic relationship between its two main characters and themes involving an abusive relationship. It said the decision was made as part of its effort to comply with Senate Bill 12 and other applicable laws. “The Grand Prairie ISD is conscious of the guidance provided by our leadership in Austin,” the district said. “Our goal is always to comply with not only our own local policies, but also state and federal law.” The district said the decision was not intended to diminish students’ talents or accomplishments, adding that it wanted to place them in a position to succeed while following the law. It did not identify the replacement production in its statement.