Broadway Show ratings?

[kasar]

Does anyone know if there is a ratings system for Broadway shows or if there is a website where parents can learn about the content of the shows? We've seen several shows and they were family friendly but I'm sure not all are.

Our DDs are getting older and able to handle more things but I'd like a heads up before we plunk down $400 to see a show that we'd be uncomfortable in.

We're going to try to get tix for Wicked or Boy from Oz. (Not sure if we'll even be able to!). Thanks all you New York experts.

 

[wvrevy]

Both Wicked and Boy From Oz would certainly be fine. The only actual Broadway show I know of that is, um, well let's just say it's geared towads adults is Avenue Q. There are a couple off-Broadway that you might want to steer clear of (bare, for one), but to my knowledge there's no "rating" system in place. Basically, I'd suggest searching the website of the show you're interested in before buying a ticket.

Sorry I couldn't be more help (BTW...you'll love Wicked...It was awsome )

 

[WDSearcher]

You don't mention the ages of your daughters, but Wicked should be fine. Boy From Oz you might want to look at only because it does have the infamous "two men kissing" scene, and, of course, a lot of gay themes and entendre.

I would give both of them a PG-13 -- Wicked for imagery and scary stuff, plus some language; and Boy From Oz for the gay themes and some language.

I'd stay away from Avenue Q, Assassins, and maybe the Producers (language, the whole Nazi thing, and some very suggestive language and scenes). Rent and Hairspray could be iffy, depending on your kids.

 

[kasar]

Oops, their ages would help, huh? They're 11 and 9 and although they're pretty mature for their ages, they are just beginning to see SOME PG-13 movies (things like Legally Blond, etc). I don't think they're quite up to Rent yet. Again, thanks.

 

[wvrevy]

Ok, not to be argumentative or anything, but I wouldn't have the least problem taking a 5 year old to see Wicked, and indeed there were many 10 and younger the night we saw it. About the most offensive word used in the entire show is "darn", and I've seen scarier scenes on The Wiggles Just personal taste, I guess....

As to Boy from Oz...I forgot about the gay themes, but yeah, I guess that could be a "problem" for some people.

Obviously Avenue Q is not for kids, and I could even see Assassins, but Hairspray ???

 

[WDSearcher]

At 11 and 9 I'd skip Boy From Oz unless they're huge Judy Garland or Peter Allen fans. If they like Hugh Jackman from the X-Men films, he's a whole different guy here, and the night I saw it there were audible gasps from the audience during some scenes, as X-Men fans saw their hero strutting around in tight pants playing maracas.

They'll probably love Wicked, although if they're big Wizard of Oz fans, you might want to pick up the cast album and have them read the libretto and listen to the music so they get the basic idea.

And if you're looking for a second show to see ... there's always Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street, or Movin' Out. Assuming, of course, that they've seen Lion King and B&B!

 

[TLinden16]

You may want to check out Zagat's online. They may have ratings there. I know they put out a book with theatre ratings.

Also, if you go to www.playbill.com they have information on the shows currently playing, including a synopsis of the shows.

Definitely avoid Avenue Q. I haven't seen it yet, but I have the cast recording, and it is definitely adult humor. I don't think some of the lyrics could pass the filter on this board.

Karen

 

[EsmeraldaX]

When I was a little kid I was terrified of the Demon Barber of fleet st.

Did you have any specific ones you were wondering about?

The only ones I can think of off the top of my head that would be probably not suitable for kids are Ave. Q and Rent.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Definately take them to B&tB and The Lion King if you haven't already!



Also, I agree some of the classics, like 42cnd St. , Guys and Dolls, Cats etc. are probably okay.

 

[wvrevy]

TLinden....If you haven't seen it, you can't imagine what goes on during "Loud as the hell you want" Let's just say that Princeton and Kate Monster become VERY close

That's like the third person to mention Rent, but I can't think of a reason why it would be so bad....Yes, there is drug use...and it is shown in a negative light...Other than that, I can't really think of a reason it would be unsuitable ? Maybe not VERY young kids, but 11 ?

 

[kasar]

And if you're looking for a second show to see ... there's always Thoroughly Modern Millie, 42nd Street, or Movin' Out. Assuming, of course, that they've seen Lion King and B&B!

Are you kidding? Of course we've seen Lion King and Beauty! LOL Along with my favorite, Aida (so sorry that it'll be closing soon)! Loved them all.

Thoroughly Modern Millie is their favorite show so far. Will definately try for Wicked (I'm assuming it's not on the Tks line, right?). Little Shop of Horrors is a possibility too.

 

[Kimberle]

Actually, I would ask around to see if anyone's seen it.

When Avenue Q was about to start in pre-views, I recieved a card promoting the show and offering discounted tickets (around $65 each). They promoted the show, I KID YOU NOT, like Sesame Street. I was thinking of taking Brittany, but didn't think she was quite ready to sit through such a long show. (She was around 4.)

Now, I've not seen the show, however, after hearing one of the songs on the Tony's (My Life Sucks), I would never take a small child to see this show. I was shocked that they even allowed this song on the Tony's.

I've seen a lot of shows on Broadway and have found they almost always have some vauge reference to an adult topic. For the most part, I think most kids wouldn't "catch on".

The Producers and Mama Mia are great. I've recently seen those. Modern Millie is closing this week or next. Aida is closing around Labor Day. Oh, Beauty and the Beast is also wonderful! I took my parents when they were visiting from out of town. My dd loved it as well.

Our next show is Fiddler on the Roof in Oct.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by wvrevy
Ok, not to be argumentative or anything, but I wouldn't have the least problem taking a 5 year old to see Wicked, and indeed there were many 10 and younger the night we saw it. About the most offensive word used in the entire show is "darn", and I've seen scarier scenes on The Wiggles Just personal taste, I guess....

As to Boy from Oz...I forgot about the gay themes, but yeah, I guess that could be a "problem" for some people.

Obviously Avenue Q is not for kids, and I could even see Assassins, but Hairspray ???

As I said in my post, it depends on the kids. And, I suppose, the parents. I'd flag Hairspray only because of the various themes in it. It's something that, for a 9 year old, you might want to have the opportunity to discuss first. The whole racial thing could be confusing in the context of a musical if what the kids are used to is Beauty & the Beast or Cinderella. Depends on the kids.

I think a lot of people are looking at Wicked as a simple extension of The Wizard of Oz, and it's not. There's some pretty intense stuff going on there. Of course, most 5 year olds are just going to see the characters and love the music and not really get into all the various story elements, but again ... depends on the kid. I saw people bring their 10 year olds to Producers too, but I don't know that I'd bring mine.

Just an opinion.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by wvrevy
That's like the third person to mention Rent, but I can't think of a reason why it would be so bad....Yes, there is drug use...and it is shown in a negative light...Other than that, I can't really think of a reason it would be unsuitable ? Maybe not VERY young kids, but 11 ?

Drug use, AIDS, gay themes, the whole "it's okay to steal from people if they're richer than you" thing, language, and all the relationship stuff between the kids and parents. None of it is stuff that's outside the realm of understanding for most tweens, but I'd at least advocate that the parents take a look at the show or read the libretto or something first. Most parents will probably figure, "No big deal." But it's better to be a little cautious and then find out there's nothing to be worried about than to be sitting in the theatre with your kids thinking, "Oh ... I shouldn't have brought them here."

Some people still use "if it's a musical, it's family-friendly" as their barometer. You can't really do that any more!

 

[TLinden16]

As someone who has seen "Rent" over three dozen times, I have to say it's not something I would take my 9 year old nephew and 11 year old niece to. There are definitely some mature topics in there, and I think wdsearcher did a good job of explaining why it wouldn't be the best musical to take kids too.

Wicked is not on TKTS. In fact, it's sold out most of the time, so unless your trip to the city is a short time away from now, you may not even be able to get full price tickets for it. If you can get tickets, it is a great show. Yes, there may be some things that could be intense for kids, but overall it's a great show. It really makes you look at the Wizard of Oz a lot differently

I highly recommend "42nd Street." It's really fun, and the cast is fantastic. A friend of mine is one of the leads in the show--David Elder. He plays Billy Lawlor. David is one of the most incredibly gifted actors I have ever had the pleasure of watching onstage. He has an amazing voice, and he is a fantastic (and very athletic) dancer. "42nd Street" will be closing in January, so there isn't much time left to catch that one.

wvrevy--I can imagine what they are singing in that song from Avenue Q. All's you'd have to do is read the song titles to tell that it's not for kids.

Karen

 

[LJC1861]

I work at a store that has a Ticketmaster outlet and can confirm that Wicked is pretty much sold out until mid July. Kristin chenowith leaves tha show July 18. For the rest of the summer there are some seats left, but not a lot. It opens up again in the fall with some decent seats available. I hope this helps.

Linda