We will be in NYC in July and we all want to see a play, but are having problems all agreeing on one. Our children are 15(girl) , and 19 (boy). They want to see Rent. Any suggestions from anyone for a good one for all of us to see, or anyone see Rent? Rose

Rent is a well executed look at the realities of society... unless your children are protected or less than mature for their ages, it would be an excellent choice... you will leave the theatre moved by its messages...

However, if you are looking for family fun, try Hairspray, Mama Mia, the Producers, or Little Shop of Horrors.

Our(2 adults and a 13 year old daughter) unanimous vote is for HAIRSPRAY!
It was everything we wanted from our FIRST Broadway show. We bought a CD and sweatshirt and listen to the CD everyday since our return. Enjoy!

I've heard Wicked is the show to see and is supposed to be great for all ages....

If the kids have stated they want to see "Rent" and it's ok with you (the parents) it probably a good choice. It's often referred to as an updated version of "La Boheme" but with AIDS one of the themes.

A plus it that tickets to "Rent" are usually available at the TKTS (half-priced tickets) booth - both Times Square and South Street Seaport sites.

However, I have to second lovetotravel2's suggestion of "Hairspray." I was fortunate enough to see it with Harvey Fierstein in New York last May and then again the road company in St. Louis in March.

After seeing it on Broadway I couldn't believe they could get another rather large man dressed in drag, combined with a chubby little gal who could really sing and dance and take the show on the road. I loved it in NY, but I thought it was even better in St. Louis.

You won't find half-priced tickets for "Hairspray" but since your trip is in July, you can probably get good tickets online now or by calling the ticketing agency. If you have time to work in two shows - those should be great.

I hope you and the kids really enjoy New York City!

I saw Rent last summer and did not expect to love it. I have to tell you, not only did I love it but I bought the CD. When my daughter came home from camp, she couldn't believe we saw Rent without her. She'd been listening to the music at camp and was dying to see it. Since then we've all seen it together (including my 12 year old son), and thoroughly enjoyed it (and still listen to the music all the time).

I also agree that Hairspray is great family fun. Little Shop is OK, but I wouldn't bother unless you can get discounted tickets (which I'm sure you can on Broadwaybox.com). Harispray is much better.

You can most likely also get advance sale discounts to Rent (Broadwaybox.com, hitshowclub.com, theatermania.com, playbill.com). The very popular shows like Hairspray, Producers and Wicked, rarely, if ever, have discounts so those tickets should be purchased in advance ASAP.