We will be in New York the first week of July. Which broadway play would you recommend seeing that is suited for a 14 year old boy? I would like to see Hairspray. Is is appropriate for all ages? What is the best way to get tickets, order now or wait until we are there?

My 14 and 17 year old sons enjoyed Aida.
Rent is another possibility, based on the appeal of the music, but you would have to decide the suitability of the plot line for your child.

The classic "G/PG rated" musicals now
playing (Lion King, Oklahoma, 42nd street, Oklahoma ) probably won't ne of the greatest appeal to a boy that age, but again, you know your kid. If it's a show that his school performed, he might

Hairspray would be perfect if you can get tickets. You definitely would have to get tickets NOW for Hairspray, through ticketmaster.com. Some of the less popular shows you can wait, and in July, you may be able to get some discounts (check a few weeks before on playbill.com, hitshowclub.com, theatermania.com). You will not be able to get tickets to the very popular shows like Hairspray at the last minute and definitely no discounts, but older shows like Rent, Phantom, 42nd st, etc may have discounts (if they are still on broadway). There are many website with info on the broadway shows such as playbill.com and broadway.com. Maybe your son can do a little research of his own and see what may interest him.

Get them ahead of time if you can, that way you are assured of good seats. You can save $ if you buy them at a TKTS booth the day of the show but a show like Hairspray may not be available and if so there may not be good seats. You have enough lead time to get good seats, even for Hairspray. He might like Lion King also. The Producers is pretty mature humor, my 14 year old would be uncomfortable seeing it with me there. Thoroughly Modern Millie is very funny and clean. You might also try a classic like Phantom or Les Mis. Find out where the shows are playing and go to the theater website to order tickets directly from them and see the seating chart.

I like this site to decide what shows would interest me:

http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/off.htm

I know someone who took her young teenage daughter to "Hairspray" and had a blast. I took some young, 20-something relatives from Europe to see "42nd Street" and they really enjoyed it. It's a fun, old-fashioned show. There's also the Abba musical, "Mamma Mia," if you want something with a more contemporary beat. And "Rent," which, come to think of it, might be the best choice of all. Contemporary score, young cast, romance, etc.

Check out the story line of Rent-he may not like it.

Thanks, everyone, for your great suggestions. I just checked with Ticketmaster, and there are seats available for Hairspray in July. I will research a little more before I make a final decision. However, if I decide to go with Hairspray, what seats at the Neil Simon Theatre should I try for if they are available? Thanks !

Take the best they have to offer, preferably not too far off to the side. From how tickets are selling for that show, you just have to take what you can get. By the way, my 14 year old (girl) just loved it and so did myself and my husband. You can rent the movie (not a musical) to see what it's about.

Would Hairspray be alright for a 9 year old as far as music and the language used? I realize the storyline might be above them, but would they enjoy the show itself? Am also trying to decide which shows to see beside Lion King and perhaps Beauty and the Beast. My wife and I are leaning towards Hairspray if it is age appropriate. Thanks.

It would be fine for a 9 yr old. Rent the movie first and watch it together so your child can become familiar with the story (the movie is not a musical). The music is 50s style, and the lok and feel of the entire show is very upbeat and positive.