play down to (someone)
To condescend (oneself) down to someone of a lower effort, ambition, intellect, etc. I know our players can do way better than that! It's like they were playing down to the other team or something. I just feel like the musical's juvenile, slapstick humor plays down to the lowest common denominator.
play down to someone
to condescend to one's audience. Why are you playing down to the audience? They will walk out on you! Don't play down to the people who have paid their money to see you.