Steve_P

Is Blood Brothers a musical that kids might enjoy (and is it appropriate for kids)? Ours are 7 and 9. Thanks.

Steve

bojack

I would not call it "appropriate" for kids. And, I doubt that it is one they would enjoy much. The setting is Liverpool (I think) probably in the 1920's (maybe). Basic plot is a poor single mother of twins is talked into giving one of her infant sons to a richer woman to raise. As young men, the twins meet again; they become friends, and then rivals, and then tragic enemies. The play begins with their dead bodies, and then flashes back to show how they got there.
P.S: I knew nothing about the musical when we went to see it -- for some reason, I had the impression that it was "about pirates" -- it was not. I did enjoy it and would recommend it for adults who are into "things British" -- however, it probably does not travel well outside the UK. For the 7 & 9 year old -- try Lion King or Cats (if it is still playing) -- or try to get a show aimed specifically at kids.

mclaurie

Read the review here which explains the plot & see what you think.

http://www.potomacstages.com/BloodBrothers.htm

Marsha

No, Blood Brothers is not a musical that a 7 or 9 year old would enjoy. Too dark, rather violent. They would enjoy Lion King or Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

janis

to add to what the others have said - besides being tragic, violent and dark, much of the music is also very dramatic, almost operatic.

A 7 year old wouldn't enjoy it, nor understand most of it.

HowardR

Absolutely not...for all the reasons already cited.

Steve_P

Thanks for your responses. My kids have seen several plays with more mature themes, like Miss Saigon, Chicago, Phantom and Les Miserables. They have also seen Cats, Lion King and Mama Mia. We might try to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but are there any others that may be somewhere in between Blood Brothers and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang that we may all enjoy. They enjoy the music in all of these and enjoy dance. Thanks.

Steve

cailin

I went to see it for the first time when I was about 10 and thoroughly enjoyed it! I guess it depends on your kids!

martytravels

If your kids have seen Chicago, I don't think Blood Brothers will be all that bad. There were a number of schoolchildren on a class trip viewing the matinee performance I attended.

Judyrem

I am probably in the minority here, but I did not "enjoy" Blood Brothers. It was very depressing and at the time I saw it, I was not in the best frame of mind. It is definitely way too dark for children. esp when the one of the twins was given up for adoption,,,,quite scary for young children IMO. Judy

HowardR

I'm with Judy on this one. I don't think it's a particularly good show!

rhkkmk

i think it a bit heavy for kids....they might view it on a differnt level however?? for adults, i always end up crying...

it is a great show

jnn1964

I saw this show last month, and 60% of the audience was under the age of 16. They all seemed to be part of school groups. They did seem to enjoy it, but they were older than your kids.

I was not thrilled with the show. If I heard the verse "just like Marilyn Monroe..." one more time I was going to scream!

Judyrem

jnn1064, how very funny. I felt that way about "like Marilyn Monroe" too! Now I have that awful ditty running through my mind!!!!! Thanks a LOT ;-) Judy

Andeesue

I agree that 7 and 9 year-olds would not enjoy this show. It really grated on me. I found the story very trite and not particulary memorable music. However, many have loved it- it's been playing for years.

Bree

Have you considered Anything Goes? There's plenty of dancing in it (since you say your kids enjoy dance), and the adults should enjoy it too.