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!