Entertainment

Parenthood musical’s a bit too Rated G

Despite what Paula Deen says, there is such a thing as too sweet. But the creators of “Rated P for Parenthood” didn’t get the memo, and their musical could send unsuspecting audiences into a sugar crash.

Without going all dark and edgy on us, Sandy Rustin — who wrote the book and some of the lyrics — might have hinted that raising kids isn’t always a pleasure cruise. But the show is relentlessly upbeat, with a cutesy tone that suggests children are the intended audience.

Alternating songs and short skits, “Rated P” highlights a narrow range of experiences common to middle-class parents: A mom babbles nervously at a preschool interview. Two dads shyly bond at a playground. A frazzled couple try to talk — or rather, not talk — about sex. Other obligatory rites of passage include puberty, summer camp, first jobs, prom and departure for college.

Under Jeremy Dobrish’s direction, the likable Courtney Balan, Chris Hoch, David Josefsberg and Joanna Young portray parents who are alternately loving, doting and mushy. Also anxious, nerve-wracked and overprotective. The four go from scene to scene, character to character with skillful ease. All are in good voice and give extra heart toDan Lipton and David Rossmer’s tunes, which touch on styles as varied as hip-hop, ’70s soft rock and opera.

The early rhyming of “moolah” and “doula” hints that the songwriters might have satire in mind.

But it doesn’t last, and soon we’re transported to a cheerful kingdom ruled by children. Whatever they want is just awesome.

A Harvard Ph.D. isn’t sour about quitting her job to be a stay-at-home mom — no, not at all. Instead she marvels, “My son is smarter than me,” when asked to help with homework.

“A Prayer for Ellie” is a lovely ballad, but there’s something disquieting about hearing yet another selfless mother sing of her daughter, “She’s my world and my life.” Meanwhile, each dad is an amiable doofus who looks overwhelmed — but also enchanted — by his brood.

It’s almost enough to make you reach for “Mommie Dearest.” Now that’s a musical waiting to happen.