Appropriate Age For RENT?

Hey guys,

This is my first post on here. I have been reading your boards for over a year so I decided I should finally join.

Anyway, I am 14 years old and this coming up March my dance studio will be taking a 9 day vacation to NYC. We are planning on seeing 3 shows, and my teacher said that one of them was RENT. When I told this to my parents, they were unsure and don't think that I should see it. I know there are several adult themes in the show, but I am in love with the CD. So before I tell them they are wrong, what age do you think is appropriate? I've heard about a couple things specifically (like Contact), but if anyone could tell me some of the more mature things so I can think if this is really appropriate for me or not I would appreciate it so much, considering that I really want to see this show. THANK YOU!

Updated On: 9/25/05 at 03:11 PM

I think 14 is fine. I first saw it when I was 13.

I agree that 14 is ok. There is language, drug use (but I would say as a moral to not use), and sexual themes--but most of which you have already been exposed to on the CD. Remind them that this is a Pulitzer and Tony award winning musical.

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Updated On: 9/25/05 at 03:19 PM

I don't think that many of us could really tell you if its appropriate for you, because appropriatness varies from family-to-family. I think a whole lot of it depends on the 14 year old and your parents exact reasoning for not letting you see the show. If they don't want you to see it for using the F word, then that's kind of out of the question. If they really don't like homosexual or bisexual themes (Im not saying this is right or wrong, but it might be the case), then they might not like Rent. The only song that is graphic is Contact.

So if they have no problem with those sorts of things then they should have no problem with Rent. My guess is that they probably do have a problem with them; however, if you can convince them that you are mature enough for these issues and that watching homosexual content is not wrong, then I think you have a valid point and maybe they will listen to it.

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The movie is being rated PG-13, if that helps you to know how "appropriate" it is. They're not making many changes from the movie to the screen as far as "appropriateness" goes.

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I'm 14 and I just saw it and it was no biggie at all.

Yeh my parents are ok with gay people, because the teacher who I would be seeing the show with is gay.

I saw it for the first time when I was 13, and I'm taking my 14 year old cousin to see it in a few weeks, so I think being 13/14 is fine.

It's good to hear that many other 14 year olds have seen the show and enjoy it, so it must be very appealing to teenage audiences.

I can't wait for the day that mere homosexuality isn't a taboo!

(not a slam--I know that things are the way they are right now)

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no--just a quick shot of her bum.

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I also have another question.

The only show we have planned really is RENT. What other 2 shows do you think would appeal to a group of very art-like teenagers? (and we aren't seeing WICKED because we are seeing it here in Tampa.)

Updated On: 9/25/05 at 04:00 PM

Hairspray, Altar Boyz, Piazza, DOUBT,

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