New York Broadway show suggestions

I am about your husband's age, liked wicked, it should be ok for a 13 year old.

Jersey Boys is fantastic...just saw it in February. I saw some young teenagers in the theater, which was surprising, but they were smiling and clapping!

I think West Side Story will appeal to all four of you.

How about Hair?

Any of the above suggestions are good. I'll add 9 to 5, Guys & Dolls, Shrek and Billy Elliot.

"In the Heights" is terrific for everyone.

I would highly recommend Billy Elliot and Wicked. And also Spring Awakening.

I'm 50 and I liked Wicked and Shrek the Musical.

Spring Awakening is closed. Hair is sold out in the short term--you don't say when you are going.

I think Billy Elliot is a good choice for the whole family, as well as Wicked. Rock of Ages is getting great reviews--I haven't seen it but it appears to have a Mamma Mia vibe, just a lot of fun. 9 to 5 (based on the Dolly Parton movie) is still in previews but has very good word of mouth.

Update on availability: Billy Elliot is closer to the sellout mark than Hair. Tickets, especially for weekday performances, are available for both.

In the Heights is fantastic and good for the whole family!

Wicked and Jersey Boys are both terrific but they are completely different. Jersey Boys is excellent but a bit depressing and won't mean much, if anything, to your 13 year old. Based on your 47/13 description I'd say Wicked, no question. If you like the Wizard of Oz you'll LOVE Wicked!! It's incredible (story, music, costumes, staging) and has a great twist at the end.

One thing to be aware of - and it does not bother many - but in Jersey Boys they use the F word a number of times... I would have seen both Wicked and Jersey Boys and would recommend Wicked. My dh is in his 50's and he loved Wicked. The other thing that I found was that the theater that Jersey Boys is in is one of the most uncomfortable I have been in - I felt like I was on an airplane in coach I was so smooshed. I saw Wicked in L.A. so cannot comment on the venue on Broadway.

If you like the Wizard of Oz you'll LOVE Wicked!! It's incredible (story, music, costumes, staging) and has a great twist at the end.

Wicked is good, but IMHO, it's not as great as all that!! (story, costumes and staging were all better than the actual music). But we liked it, and we were a group of 3 20-somethings and 2 50-somethings (female and male).

As for the "F" word in Jersey Boys, if its a problem, you'd probably better skip Billy Elliott, too.

Wicked!!!! The Best play I've ever seen!

sf - not saying it will be a problem, but we are pretty conservative with language and our 15 year old does not see R rated movies (that we know of LOL)

I live in NYC, I see all the great shows. Wicked is fantastic-not sure if an adult male would like it though. It's incredible (and I saw it with the original cast) but a real "chick" kind of story. My mom and I adored it! I also saw it in LA, great seats, different cast, still fantastic. Great for teens.

Just saw Billy Elliott in NYC-again, terrific! Such a talented cast, great diverse story, etc.

Went to original cast of Jersey Boys with Mom and Dad (in their 60s) = we LOVED LOVED LOVED it!!! Even me, who did not grow up with that music. My father, the secret musical love, was dying it was so great! He also loved The Boy From Oz...as my mom and I did as well.

As for "Hair"-my parents and I are seeing this in 2 weeks. Have seen it twice in Chicago and if I were 13 when I saw it I'd be freaked out. Lots of nudity, language, etc. All abt free love, etc. If I were to pick for the whole family and tickets were available, I'd say Billy Elliot, Jersey Boys, Wicked.

I think "Shrek" is absolutely your best choice for a 13 year old and older folks. Its funny on many different levels (so it appeals to all ages), is very visual, and just plain cute. It'll be on Broadway a long time.

While the young and family Easter crowd picked up Shrek's attendance to over 90% last week, it's been averaging more around the mid 60% level -- not good at all for a big musical. Glad you enjoyed it singabob, but I'm suspecting it is a stretch to say it will be on Broadway a long time.

I was very surprised that good friends (big NY theater goers) really liked Shrek. They have recommended it to me several times. I don't get it....although we enjoyed the movies, but they thought it quite good. Go figure.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding after reading the reviews of the current revival of Hair is that there is only a short bit of nudity at the end of Act 1, and not "lots of nudity."

Wicked is a fabulous fabulous story. I loved the music, the sets, the costume and the story. Very impressive and suitable for all ages. GREEN IS GOOD!!

Howard, maybe "lots of nudity" doesn't refer to the length of time the nudity takes place in the show, but rather ---ummmm, how do I put this -- how well endowed the actors are who are displaying their nudity?

Patrick, you're a naughty boy!
Does quality determine quantity in this situation? (Or is it, does quantity determine quality?)

Wicked, In the Heights and Shrek. Check Broadwaybox.com for discount codes.

The nudity in Hair was brief. It was at the very end of the first act. I was watching the fully clothed actor on our side of the stage who was singing and actually almost missed it - LOL! The whole show is rather provacative if you're conservative. The actors get into compromising situations and there is simulated drug use. Some parents may not approve of their kids seeing that.

Jersey Boys was great. Are your kids familiar with any of Frankie Valli's music? If they like that type of music at all, they'll really like the show. They do say the F word a lot in the show. I guess there's something to object to about most things. If you were comfortable with them seeing Avenue Q, I don't think there would be anything in Jersey Boys that would be as racy.

I found really nothing to object to taking my 11 year old to see Wicked, Legally Blonde, Hairspray... the F bomb as much as it is said in Jersey boys is not something I would be comfortable with her sitting through. jmo.

We found Wicked all that it was hyped up to be-I think your entire family would love it.

Jersey Boys was great, but I'm middle-aged and saw it with friends. I wouldn't take a 13 year old girl-the language is pretty bad. The fun for us was the story (which we had no idea of the group's story) and recognizing the music-they did a great job, bringing the audience to rousing applause regularly. I could be wrong, but I don't think it would mean anything to young people.

just saw Rock of Ages - SO MUCH FUN! lots of music, very, very funny - one of those shows that is so full of action and fun that you don't notice the time - which is always a big plus when you are with your kids as they seem to need nonstop action - great show

How about recommendations for a 8 year old granddaughter with her grandparents? I was thinking about Wicked and Shrek...

JUST saw 9 To 5....really terrible! LOVED the movie, thought the musical was simply daft!! The actress who played Dolly Parton's character was absolutely darling and executed the role perfectly. All in all.....what a waste of $$!

Second for Rock of Ages. Just saw it with 17-year-old Broadway doubting Thomas and we both LOVED it! A little bawdy for the 13 year old, but it depends on your family. A few F bombs from the rockers, lots of sexual references, but all in all fine. Not gratuitous.

Just saw 'In the heights' last night - really really fabulous!!! Highly recommend. A bit of a rap beat, but not so heavy of a fab feel to turn off adults who aren't into that genre. A nice story / message in a subtle way. The story is a lot about family, where you come from / neighborhood, love and support. Great set, music, energy!!! I went up to the box office day off for my ticket.

I can't believe that no one has mentioned SOUTH PACIFIC by Rodgers & Hammerstein, which is playing at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center! The theatre is intimate, it has a "thrust stage" going into the audience, so that you're quite close to the actors and there's not a bad seat. The music is memorable--"Some Enchanted Evening," "I'm Going to Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," "There is Nothing Like a Dame" and many more. How long since you've left a theatre singing the score?

SOUTH PACIFIC takes place during World War II, so there are lots of references to events that really happened. There's a historical element that would be interesting--and also an element of our own history with other cultures and races. I loved SOUTH PACIFIC!

Thank you for all of the input.

We’ve purchased tickets for my husband, daughter and I to see Wicked, my husband and son have tickets for Jersey Boys, and all four of us will see Rock of Ages. My daughter checked out Jersey Boys and wasn’t interested in the story or music. My son had similar feelings about Wicked. With such a wide age range, we are used to splitting up.

My daughter and I are still discussing what we might see while they see Jersey Boys. I sent her links to both Billy Elliott and Altar Boyz today. Anyone have opinions on Altar Boyz? My son, at 24, will make his own plans for the night that we’re at Wicked.

Thanks again!

Billy Elliott is great. Absolutely loved it. But you may be out of luck if you don't buy tickets soon. It was just nominated for 15 Tonys and will probably win a bunch of them.

Ok, an update:
1. I saw "Hair" last week. The nudity was very brief and it was dimly lit. Unfortunately Gavin Creel, who was FANTASTIC and just nominated for a Tony, doesn't get naked. Will Swenson does (he was nominated for Featured Actor)but it is a very brief and quick scene. I remember when I saw it in Chicago years ago there seemed to be much more nudity. Who knows, maybe I'm just a priss. There is a lot of simulated sex too. I happened to sit next to a 13 year old girl who covered her eyes the entire nude scene. Her mom was very open to her seeing the show (it was just the 2 of them) and was talking to her about the nudity beforehand. However, the girl seemed really uncomfortable with that part but otherwise we all emerged unscathed. Did anyone catch the cast on "Letterman" last week? FABULOUS. A tremendous group of talent.

2. Wicked - saw in NYC and LA. LOVED LOVED LOVED IT. I saw it in LA with Megan Hilty who now plays the Dolly Parton character in 9 to 5. Glad to hear someone enjoyed her performance! She's great but I'm skipping this one.

3. Billy Elliott - terrific. Lots of f bombs. Kind of depressing like the movie but the kid is unbelievable. I saw the new kid who was NOT nominated for the Tony (the other 3 were) but he was great. Newly added to the cast, great little actor.

4. West Side Story- saw last week as well. The performances are terrific, great dancing, overall plot not my thing.

5. South Pacific - saw this a few months ago. Kelli O'Hara is tremendous but she's pregnant and out for a few months. It is a great intimate setting, fun show. Not my fave like Wicked, Jersey Boys, Hair but it's good.

I've been spoiled recently seeing BE, WSS, and Hair in the past month. Enjoy the shows!

great post - going to keep track of this for my Upcoming trip!

Purchased Billy Elliott last night so all of our show choices are made and secured. Thank you for all of the help!

I have to agree with the consensus - Billy Elliot is fantastic. Definitely in my top 5 favorites of all time.

Just a little note to anyone looking for hard-to-get tickets: I find that with nearly sold-out shows, you can generally snag single tickets. So, if two people are going and you can't get a pair together, its definitely worth it to try for two singles.

TT for this great thread.

We will be in NYC for for 4 days in early July. We are looking for uplifting, comedy or happy themes. We would be grateful for any recommendations you may have.

About five years ago I came here and you all recommended one of the most amazing and unique examples of theatre we have ever experienced.

I hope that you can point me to another for our visit in July.

Your recommendation in 2004 was Avenue Q.

I would recommend Waiting for Godot. Great reviews - a superb cast and Ben Brantley of the Times calls it the most important play of the 20th century. It is Beckett's version of the Seinfeld series - about nothing - yet about a lot - and funny at the same time.

jroth - and I know people who have walked out of WFG despite the accolades. You have to like Beckett; it's not for everyone.

Good_Will - Many new shows are not 'light.' "Reasons to be Pretty" and "Next to Normal," were very good and different, but not light.
"Blithe Spirit" was wonderful - great cast and light and Noel Coward done beautifully. Angela Lansbury is excellent.

Hubby and I saw In the Heights last month and we loved it. It was very upbeat with a great storyline.

Saw Jersey Boys in September - it was fantastic. Great music!

I loved In the Heights - I was hesitant to recommend it without the original lead, but I'm glad to hear it is still fantastic! Really upbeat and fun with terrific choreography and good music.

Do you like 80's music? Rock of Ages got decent reviews, and is by all accounts quite fun, though I haven't seen it. 9 to 5 seems to be a crowd favorite (similar to Mama Mia), but got mixed reviews - though I would see it just for Alison Janney, who is supposed to be great.

I also agree with Centralparkgirl - if you're at all willing to go to a show with darker themes, Next to Normal is fantastic with what is, IMHO, the best score of the year and an incredible cast. But it is definitely not a musical comedy.

bethke14 - I would call 'Next to Normal' a rock drama. I too thought the cast was great, but I felt that most tunes sounded alike. Because they sang so much of it, I found it hard to separate different melodies.

I'll back up the "In the Heights" recommendations. My wife and I saw it two weeks ago, and it was fantastic. It's what I would call a wonderful American story. Very hip, with terrific rap, but with more traditional music as well. There is some mild language and some mild suggestive stuff, but it would be fine for a 13 year old.

I'm not sure where to put this but there's a great documentary on the making of "In the Heights" on public broadcasting. Fun to see the behind the scenes of developing the show.

What is the best way to book "In the Heights" online from Australia for a date in mid-July. Thank you for any advice you have on this.

You get tickets on Ticketmaster. They email you a link to go to in order to print out the tickets. I assume that you can use a Mastercard, etc., and they will do a currency conversion.

This is great. Saving for October, our plan is not to plan. So love to hear all the reviews. I know for my then teenager of 16, she enjoyed, in fact LOVED We Will Rock You (which she has now seen 3 times) but did not enjoy Wicked as much, she would enjoy Jersey Boys, (which I loved in London)and may still take her to Melbourne to see.

My 45 yr old DH didn't mind Jersey Boys (we both weren't so thrilled with Billy Elliot, again in London)but I'm not sure he would like Wicked (he hasn't seen it). So I'm checking out all your recommendations for October.

Keep it coming.