Which show/play are you doing?

[diamondcutter]

--Which show are you doing?
--We are doing Peter Pan.

Source: Kid’s Box 4, CUP

I’d like to know if we can use “play” instead of “show” in the 1st sentence.

 

[Rover_KE]

A show typically features music/songs; a play doesn’t.

 

[emsr2d2]

A show typically features music/songs; a play doesn’t.

As a rule, I agree with you, but most of Shakespeare's comedies feature at least some songs.

 

[Tarheel]

I would say I am "presenting" a show or "putting on" a show.

 

[tedmc]

Or
staging a musical

 

[Rover_KE]

… most of Shakespeare's comedies feature at least some songs.

… but we don’t call them shows. I didn’t want to repeat ‘typically’ before doesn’t.

 

[emsr2d2]

I think we've wandered off-topic from post 1. You can use the word "play" if what you're putting on is actually a play! If it's pantomime, or a musical, or a song and dance variety show, you can't. If you're putting on the play version of Peter Pan, use "play". If you're not, don't.