Would my DH and teen son like Wicked?
 

Thinking about getting tickets for the LA performances. Do men like this show or is it more of a chick flick???

How can we possibly answer that? Some do, some don't.
Do they like Wizard of Oz, or sit there and make snide comments if it's on TV? That should be your first clue.

Well, I can tell you that at Disneyland last summer OD and I could not wait to line up for the Peter Pan ride, had to wait in line, YS and DH grumbled the whole time. At the end of the ride all they could do was make fun of it. This is Peter Pan ride, ya know, when you are flying through the sky and seeing the twinkling stars? It is dated, but nostalgic. So, well, I am thinking they won't like it.

More angst than action?

DH will watch Wizard of Oz if it is on, but would rather watch reruns from the Masters Tournements. Or any tournements...if ya know what I mean.

I think it's less about Wicked, and more about "musicals" as a genre. Do they like live theatre? Or do they hate sitting still for a couple hours? Would they be intrigued by the sets, music, lighting - the magic of the stage? Or bored by the interruption of the story for a song? Have you asked them if they want to see it? Personally, I make my teens do things to broaden their perspectives, but would never make my husband do something in which he had no interest, especially at theatre prices. (But, luckily for me, we all enjoy that type of stuff.) But for example, I'd die if someone was forcing me to sit through a live basketball or freezing cold football game! Maybe someone else can you a plot synopsis to go by.

Dreamer2 is right on the money: do they like musicals or theater in general? From what you've said about Disneyland, it sounds like they don't enjoy the fantasy/magic kind of thing. Which is fine, a lot of guys don't. So spare yourself the angst ... Wicked is a great example of a big musical spectacular, but if someone can't suspend their disbelief for musicals ("why are they singing?!!") then it's not for them. Just as Patrick said, some people like it, some don't. I know plenty of guys who like the show, although I can see how it might get characterized as a "chick flick" kind of thing -- pre-teen girls go especially crazy for this show.

I think you've answered the question. They would probably have more fun making fun of it, than enjoying it. Pick something else to enjoy with them, or better yet, send them off to play golf and go with a girlfriend.

For this exact reason I am going by myself and without male nor girlfriend on May 11. They do not like musicals. The only one they tolerated with some appreciation was "Les Miserables".

So off I go alone.

Well, DH likes the "fun" ones. He liked the Producers, Les Mis, Chorus Line, Evita, Joseph, the ones with some kind of story he can relate too and some men stuff.

My concern is that Wicked will be all female oriented issues that would just bore them to tears.

After posting the question I am feeling that, for the money, this would not be a good choice for all four of us. OD maybe, and me, but not the boys.

I have heard some of the music and understand a bit of the plot, so I was putting out the question mainly to those who have seen it and would verify if it IS or IS NOT a chick flick kind of musical. But it sounds like it really is, so I will spare him the suffering. Thanks.

Peter Pan the Ride rocks...

Well ... without beating this to death (probably too late) ... it's not any more of a "chick-flick" kind of show than "Evita", "Chorus Line" or even "Les Miz", IMHO. The two leads are women, yes ... but there are male characters ... but beyond that, it's really about how do you stand up for your beliefs in a society that brands you "different". It's about politics, it's about how the media and the populace can be manipulated through propaganda. It's about defying a government that seeks to marginalize powerless members of the citizenry. And ... it's funny!

I just wanted to speak up again because the show really isn't all that much of a "chick flick" IMHO, in the cliche sense -- all touchy-feely-weepy. Although as I said earlier, it can be characterized that way, and girls do go crazy for it. There's action and excitement.

I'm posting this more for those others who might be wondering whether to see the show or not -- it sounds like you're making the right choice for your particular group. And you're right -- the Peter Pan ride DOES rock.

In our family, our reaction to the show crossed gender and generational lines: We all--male and female, young and old--disliked the show!
I never really thought about musicals being a chick flick thing. I'm a heterosexual male who enjoys musicals as much as my wife does. I never knew I wasn't supposed to!

In our family we crossed gender and generational lines as well. We all adored the show. DH liked it so much that after seeing it with me, he took our 17 year old DS to see it and both enjoyed. My 19 yr old DD saw it twice (different cast each time) and loved both times.