New York Broadway show suggestions
 

Traveling with my Husband, son (24), and daughter (13). In the past we have split up for some shows, so that my husband and son could see things that were too mature for my daughter.

In the past we have seen Phantom, Mary Poppins, Hairspray, Avenue Q, Mamma Mia, and Spamalot.

This trip we are considering Wicked, Rock of Ages, and Jersy Boys. Will a 13 year old girl like Jersey Boys? Will a 47 year old man like Wicked?

Anyone have other suggestions that my daughter might like?

How about Accomplice New York? My daughter is very interested in doing it.

Thanks for your help.

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.

<i>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.</i>

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.