Broadway Show Suggestions?

[CookieGVB]

My son (turning 13 soon) wants to go see a Broadway show, but "Mommmmm...not Disneyyyyyy" - so that lets out Beauty and the Beast, and The Lion King.

I bought tickets to see Rent, but I'm looking for something else that he may be interested in seeing. We saw a few numbers from Hairspray at a dance recital, and he's mentioned that he wants to see that.

Anyone have any suggestions?

P.S. - I was also told that Rent may not have been the best choice for his age - can anyone give me a synopsis?

Thanks!

 

[TimeforMe]

We took our 2 kids to see Rent last year (2nd time for DH and I) and they were just turned 14 and 15. We had the CD at home so they were a bit familiar with the premise and music. They both LOVED it, but especially my DS14. It's based on a modern day LaBoheme but does contain sexual references and has openly portrayed gay actors and those with AIDS. I, personally, thought it was appropriate enough for my 2. The music is great as well.

Haven't seen Hairspray, but heard good things about. Thoroughly Modern Millie was very entertaining. I really think he would enjoy both LK and B&tB--mine liked both very much. If he's into music, I would also highly recommend Blue Man Group. Awesome! We've seen many plays so if there's something specific, please ask.

 

[kasar]

We saw "Little Shop of Horrors" over the summer, it was great! Try to get as close to the stage as possible if you go.

I really want to see "Wicked" next but tickets are hard to come by.

I think he'll be okay with Rent - at 13 I'm sure he knows about the themes - AIDs especially. My DDs are 10 and 11 and I'm giving them another year or two and then we'll see it. Hairpray looks good, we're looking forward to that one too. Thoroughly Modern Millie was really fun - a nice Broadway-extravaganza type show. Nice comfy theater too! I didn't love Mamma Mia but my kids did.

I'm sure you'll have fun no matter what you see.

 

[Kimberle]

I have seen Hairspray, with the orginal cast. I don't think the new cast is quite as good. It mentions racism, and drug use. The stage show is nearly the same as the movie with Rikki Lake.

Mama Mia was an excellent show. As was Fiddler on the Roof. The actor who played the bad guy in Spiderman 2 is the lead.

Another really good show is The Producers.

Haven't seen it yet, but Wicked is suppost to be really good.

 

[jennyanydots]

I loved Alfred Molina as Tevye. but I have a special affinity for the show. I loved Hairspray. Haven't seen Mama Mia.

I took my girls to see Rent a few weeks ago -- they're 12 and almost 14. it's heavy on AIDS and dying, drug use and etc., and there's a transvestite character -- what you'd expect in Alphabet City.


the girls liked Brooklyn-the Musical.

and speaking of transvestites -- La Cage au Folle is coming back this year.

 

[Denise W]

If your son knows the Wizard of Oz, he might enjoy Wicked, which is a story about what happened before Dorothy arrived in Oz. We have tickets to see it on Jan 7, 2 days before Idina (Elphaba) leaves the show. I have read the book, and the script, but haven't seen the show yet. The music is wonderful, and the script is funny with a lot of wonderful Wizard of Oz jokes in it. Tickets are hard to get, but we got our Jan tickets about 3 weeks ago so there are seats out there. I would also recommend The Producers, Mamma Mia, and Hairspray as being ok for someone his age.

Denise

 

[vacationman]

Last summer, we saw Wicked, Moving Out and Wonderful Town.

Of the three, Wicked was far and away the best. My 15 and 12 year olds loved it, bought the CD right away, and have been singing the songs for the last 6 months. We even got the Karaoke CD. Plus, by hanging around the stage door, they got autographs from most of the stars including Kristin Chenowith (original Galinda/Glenda).

 

[swanmom]

In addition to the Broadway shows listed, how about an off-Broadway show? Stomp and Blue Man Group are both in New York and I think would be right on target for a 13 year old boy.

Have fun!

 

[CheshireVal]

Grease is always fun!

 

[TimeforMe]

Originally posted by jennyanydots

the girls liked Brooklyn-the Musical.

We have tickets to see this in Jan. What did they like about it? Tell me more!

 

[Oh Kay!]

You might want to check out New Victory Theater. It is located directly across from Lion King. They bring in performance groups that appeal to different age groups. For example, we are taking our two boys, 4 and 6, to see a puppet show this weekend. However, they also stage Shakespear plays and other performances geared toward to older children as well. Check out their schedule and see if anything catches your DS's eyes.

 

[bekkiz]

Only reapeating what others have said

BLUE MAN GROUP!!!!!

and Wicked

 

[supergoof]

My wife and I saw Fiddler on the Roof in October and it was still wonderful.