I would like to take my 12 yr old son to a good cultural event & have heard rave reviews for this play. Is it appropriate for kids this age?

We saw it in San Francisco a few years ago. It is a cute, light play, but a lot of it may go right over your son's head. It's not a cultural event, but a fun way to spend a few hours. Even if he misses some things, e may still enjoy a live production.

We took our youngest when he was 14 and he loved it. He also enjoys theater and can be mature for his age but I think most 12 year olds would also have fun. The previous poster is correct; it's not high culture, some will go over his head but the interactive nature of the play with its audience particpation will be enjoyed.

Hello. We saw Shear Madness in DC just this last weekend. My 17 year old had seen it previously with a school group about 3 years ago. There are many pointed sexual jokes which you may or may not find appropriate for your 12 year old. Also, many of the jokes are topical and DC related. All 3 of my children 13, 15 and 17 enjoyed the show. There were several school groups there on the night we went and they all seemed to enjoy themselves. Personally I thought the first act was well perfomed but the second was lackluster.
This play involves audience participation and your 12 year old may enjoy that. My children love attending plays and gave this one a 6-7 out of 10.I did a good bit of research before we went and this was our best choice but I do have reservations about recommending it.

While visiting DC in March, we saw the musical "1776" with our boys, 12 and 7.
We all enjoyed it! It's playing at Fords' Theater through June 1. Very historical venue to see a very historical play. I would recommend it.
I didn't see any food or drink available there so be prepared for that.

My kids saw Shear Madness in 1991 when they were 7 and 9. They didn't understand any of the "dirty" jokes but loved talking to the "detective" at the intermission to give him their thoughts on the "murder" committed on stage.

My kids saw Shear Madness again this year and enjoyed it even more than the first time, but both agreed it was a perfect show for everyone. As my son said, "If you're old enough to understand the jokes, they're funny. If you're not, you just ignore them."

"Shear Madness" has been playing so long that most of us who live in DC have seen it several times. The jokes change with the news.

Having said that, I would recommend "1776" at Ford's sight unseen over "Shear Madness" because seeing a play in the theater where Lincoln was shot is so historic. You can see the Lincoln box--in which no one (not even the president) is allowed to sit.

Whichever you choose, you might want to check in at Ticketplace in the Old Post Office Pavillion at 12th and Pennsylvania Ave., NW, first. I can virtually guarantee you half price same day tickets to "Shear Madness". Sometimes things at Ford's are available too. Ticketplace is just a few short blocks from Ford's by the way. You might save a lot of money that way.

We saw it years ago in DC & didn't think much of it. Can't believe it's still running!