We believe that sharing the theatre with youngsters can be a life-changing experience, but some shows are more family friendly than others. Our guidelines below can give you a general idea of what might be appropriate, but you know your child best. If you have questions or want to talk further about any show’s content, just call us at 800.294.1816.
Generally, if your child can pay attention to a full-length movie at the cinema, he or she will probably enjoy a theatrical event. All children must have a ticket, regardless of age.
GHOST THE MUSICAL
Based on the phenomenal Oscar-winning movie, GHOST tells the story of a young man who is murdered and tries to communicate with his wife through a storefront psychic. The assault and death of a character and the plot about what happens after death may not be appropriate for young children. Recommended for ages 12+. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 2 hr, 30 min (1 intermission)
FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL
Based on the iconic movie, FLASHDANCE tells the story of a working-class girl with a dream of becoming a professional dancer. With a score that includes the original hit songs from the movie as well as new songs, this show is bound to have audiences of all ages singing and dancing in the aisles. The show does contain some mature content, including scenes set at an adult club and provocative dancing, which may not be suitable for all audiences, so we’re rating this one a PG13. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 2 hr, 30 min (1 intermission)
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
Based on the original animated film, Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS is great for kids of all ages and a perfect show to introduce a child to the magic of theatre. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations, this show is heartwarming and funny, and with a running time of 85 minutes, it’s the perfect family length. All audience members, regardless of age, must have a ticket. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 85 min, no intermission
THE BOOK OF MORMON
THE BOOK OF MORMON won nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. It is from Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, and Robert Lopez, co-creator of Avenue Q. NOTE: THE BOOK OF MORMON contains explicit language. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 2 hr, 30 min (1 intermission)
EVITA
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Evita charts the rags-to-riches rise of the First Lady of Argentina, Eva Peron. The show explores adult themes of sexuality and power, particularly in the Act One number “Goodnight and Thank You.” Children may not be as captivated as adults by Evita, but parents can determine whether the musical is suitable for tween-age theatergoers. Recommended for ages 10+. Children under 4 years of age will not be admitted. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 2 hr, 20 min (1 intermission)
WICKED
Like the The Wizard of Oz, Wicked is the definition of family-friendly. But as with the classic 1939 movie, younger children may find it long or be frightened by the show's flying monkeys, allusions to offstage violence and the death of a character. Most children over 8, however, will be delighted by the world of Wicked. Children under 4 years of age will not be admitted, and all patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 2 hr, 30 min (1 intermission)
AMERICAN IDIOT
An energy-fueled rock opera, American Idiot features little dialogue and instead relies on the lyrics from Green Day’s groundbreaking rock album of the same name to execute the story line. The material is dark with some characters hitting rock bottom, but the rousing score keeps things upbeat. While teens will dig the rock music, recognize many of the songs and possibly relate to the angst-filled themes, the subject matter is mature. One character looks to alcohol to deal with his girlfriend’s unwanted pregnancy, while another witnesses firsthand the violent ramifications of war. The characters open their mouths to inhale drugs almost as frequently as they do to sing the score’s f-word-laden lyrics. American Idiot features mature content, including explicit language, sexual scenes and drug abuse. Strobe lights are also used in this production. For more information, visit the show's website
Running time: 1 hr, 35 min (no intermission)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic story of a Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House and the chorus girl he falls in love with is sure to be a huge hit again with our audiences, but could be frightening for very young children due to some of the darker themes. Recommended for children ages 8+. Children under 4 years of age will not be admitted. For more information, visit the show’s website.
Running time: 2 hr, 30 min (1 intermission)
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