Am I a bad dad?

Later this month - my 7 year old daughter is joining me on a NYC trip - we are seeing ITH, Little Mermaid, but . . . I really want to see August Osage County - so if I get back row balcony seats and put a pair of headphones on her with her favorite music on it - what would people say - she would be listening to her favorite music - and I'll be seeing the play to end all plays -

is that sending the wrong message?

thoughts?

re: thread title. I certainly hope no one from these boards takes it upon themselves to answer this.

My thoughts: Do NOT bring your daughter to a show, August: Osage County or any other, wearing headphones.

Not only does your "plan" sound riddled with loop-holes (Honestly, you expect this to go off without a hitch during a 200-minute show?) but it shows a great disrespect for the audience around you. The ambient music is bound to be heard by your neighbors.

Plus, it teaches your daughter that this is "okay behavior" in a theatre.

If you want to see August: Osage County go alone. I'm sure you will enjoy it. Your premeditated efforts to bend-over-backwards in order to see it prove this.

But before entering the Music Box Theatre, find a different nighttime activity for your daughter with someone you know and trust.

Or, if you specify the date and time, I'll babysit her! Ha

Updated On: 7/14/08 at 12:53 AM

Well said Eug
And nice finally meeting you at Barks yesterday

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Obviously, you know your daughter better than anyone on the boards, but most 7-year olds would have a hard time sitting still in a dark room surrounded by strangers for 3 and a half hours just listening to music, particularly until 11pm. (I think it would be hard for most adults.) Most of the play's actions would not hold visual interest for a 7-year-old. I really don't think it would work -- you would end up having to leave anyway and miss the end of the show, and it would probably be disruptive for those around you.

I think this production of August is great, but it will undoubtedly be performed at many regional theaters over the next several years, so there will be plenty of opportunities for you to see the show later. There will be other chances.

(I wanted to also add that I agree with your instincts that this is not a show that a 7-year-old should be seeing -- the language and themes are problematic for that age group.)

ETA: I see you already decided not to go -- I must have been writing my message while you were writing yours.

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Updated On: 7/14/08 at 01:06 AM

You shouldn't pass on August, but I agree with the other posters. The sound of from the earphones will distract the people around you, and at 9PM, your daughter might already be tired and ready for bed. Also agree with the whole, she might think it's acceptable thing, although once she's older, she might realize that it's not, but it's best not to give her the idea at all.

Don't pass on August. If you know anyone in the city at all, have them babysit her while you go see the show.

Don't pass on the tickets--with the money you'd be spending on her ticket, just hire a babysitter!

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I say just grind up a few Benadryl's and give her some special "Broadway Show Punch", this way it keeps with the theme of the show and you get a nice quiet child while still getting to enjoy the show.

I second what South FL Marc said ~ check with your hotel (in advance if possible). They should have a list of agencies that provide sitters. I used to work in a hotel (not in NYC), and we had several services we could recommend depending on the circumstances. Most of them will have a minimum number of hours (use or pay for those hours regardless), but they generally have to be licensed and bonded so you should be fine that way.

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Unfortunately with kids in tow the only unselfish thing is to see kid suitable shows. Don't worry the time will come when you can go and see whatever you like.