April Shows with 76 year old mom and 13 year old son

[roxannex]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 11:21am

Hello! I'm coming to NYC Easter weekend with my 76 year old mom who loves big funny spectacle musicals and my 13 year old son. He and my  mom really enjoyed Matilda a few years ago. (It WAS great  for the whole family.) I love weird stuff, but also like funny and flashy...generally musicals. Haven't seen Hamilton or Cursed Child but neither are in the budget and I don't want to give up 4 hours to Harry Potter anyway. We can probably see 2 shows...maybe 3 but I think that might be too much. (Shows don't have to be "clean." My mom has a good sense of humor. She just likes BIG and FUN!) 

I think our best options are:

Beetlejuice (Son would like it. I like the movie. Not sure about mom?)

Tootsie (Musicals from movies are not really my thing, but I think my mom might like it?)

Oklahoma? 

My Fair Lady (Mom and I have both seen other productions. Seems good but not sure my son will like it.)

I really want to see Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus because I'm fascinated by Taylor Mac. It has Nathan Lane. I'm not really worried about "adult" material, but my mother might REALLY hate it unless it is super funny. 

Hadestown looked interesting, but I don't think funny--seems  very serious. I think mom would hate it. 

What do you think? Other suggestions? I think we're past Disney. My mom would probably like the Cher Show but I think my son would fall asleep. Last trip she hated me for choosing Dog in the Night and a small Bedlam production of Sense and Sensibility. So, I have to choose some fun things. 

Updated On: 3/12/19 at 11:21 AM

[roxannex]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 11:25am

Also, I know that Be More Chill or Mean Girls might appeal to the 13 year old demographic, but I've heard Be More Chill is actually awful, and I don't think my son would like the whole "teen" comedy thing. He's not that into things like that. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 11:38am

The Prom may be worth a look, as it seems to fit the fun musical category? Has some LGBT themes, and despite the high school setting/ensemble, it is the older actors who really own/steal the show.

Oklahoma isn't the big splashy revival version like MFL, but that may satisfy your desire for plays and her desire for musicals, since it is a darker read on the material?

Agree that Tootsie sounds like a good fit.

First Gary preview was last night, so I'd check that thread for insights. I read just enough to feel like I happily plan to keep my tickets for that one. 

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 11:40am

roxannex said: "Also, I know that Be More Chill or Mean Girls might appeal to the 13 year old demographic, but I've heard Be More Chill is actually awful, and I don't think my son would like the whole "teen" comedy thing. He's not that into things like that."

Everything else in contention, with the possible exception of Beetlejuice? (I didn't see it), seems like a superior choice.

[ethan231h]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 11:48am

The Prom!

[DiscoCrows]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 11:50am

The Prom sounds like your best bet! If you're unfamiliar:

The Prom tells the story of an Indiana high schooler barred from bringing her girlfriend to the prom—and the group of eccentric Broadway folk who infiltrate the town in an earnest, misguided attempt to fight the injustice. (Playbill)

The show is basically just a huge, wholehearted Broadway spectacle. IMO the music is really upbeat and catchy, and it's really really funny. It's probably one of the best shows out there if you're just looking for something to put a smile on your face. [Trailer]

[mattyp4]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:00pm

I was going to say The Prom, even though I admittedly haven't seen it yet. Seems like it's winning over young people & adults though. So might be a good crowd-pleaser of a show.

Tootsie also sounds like it's going to be a crowd-pleaser. It's at the top of my list.

I would also recommend My Fairy Lady but it might be a little bit of a tough sell for your son. If he appreciates classic musicals then he may like this-- it's a great production.

I saw Beetlejuice in DC & while your son may love it, I'm not sure your mother will. It's visually stunning but also crass & vulgar. (I also thought it had major book problems & a really weak score, but that's just me.)

Gary: A Sequel To Titus Andronicus was interesting. It's another show with lots of crude humor but I don't think it's uproariously funny. (Still better than Beetlejuice though!) It's a good show but probably too crude for your mother (I saw lots of elderly couple walk out last night, fwiw) & too dull for your son (lots of introspective soliloquies which slow down the show).

And I would disagree with the person who called Oklahoma a "splashy" production. It's kind of the opposite of splashy. It's interesting staging & a very good production but I don't see 13-year-olds as its target audience. (Plus it might be too concept-y for your mother, if she cherishes the original.)

 

 

[haterobics]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:04pm

mattyp4 said: "And I would disagree with the person who called Oklahoma a "splashy" production. It's kind of the opposite of splashy."

I don't think you are disagreeing with me, just skipping the word "isn't" beforehand.

[SomethingPeculiar]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:07pm

Tootsie or The Prom sound like the perfect choices.

[mattyp4]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:36pm

haterobics said: "mattyp4 said: "And I would disagree with the person who called Oklahoma a "splashy" production. It's kind of the opposite of splashy."

I don't think you are disagreeing with me, just skipping the word "isn't" beforehand."

D'oh! My bad. Read that too fast. Makes more sense though! :P

[devonian.t]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:43pm

I thought a 76 year old mum had a 13 year old son- I'd have liked to meet such a person!

[Wick3]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:43pm

Another vote for The Prom. It's a lot of fun for family & friends. 

 

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:50pm

My 70 year old parents just saw The Prom while I was at Harry Potter and they LOVED it! Definitely a big splashy fun musical. I am hoping it hangs on long enough for me to come back and see it myself in May.

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:55pm

Not to spam and just keep saying what others are, but The Prom sounds perfect for you guys! I really recommend it! Tootsie is probably a great choice as well but I haven't seen it so I can't verify. The Prom is arguably the most heartwarming thing Ive seen on stage. 

[mattyp4]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 12:57pm

I just realized I typed "My Fairy Lady" above, which is a show I now want to see.

[roxannex]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 1:13pm

Thank you for all the suggestions. I have to admit that I saw info on The Prom, and I just thought it looked so stupid. We saw School of Rock a few years ago, and I thought it was horrible--not great set, just so blah...and The Prom seemed to give off similar vibes for me. So, I'm just surprised you all like it so much. Maybe I'm missing something. I am very LBGTQ friendly, so it's not the concept. It just didn't seem interesting, but maybe I'm wrong. I will look again.

 

I think Oklahoma and My Fair Lady are out. My  mom says she doesn't want to see things she's seen before. Tootsie might be a good bet. Maybe I can send my mom and my son to The Prom while I see Gary. LOL. 

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 1:28pm

roxannex said: "Thank you for all the suggestions. I have to admit that I saw info on The Prom, and I just thought it looked so stupid. We saw School of Rock a few years ago, and I thought it was horrible--not great set, just so blah...and The Prom seemed to give off similar vibes for me. So, I'm just surprised you all like it so much. Maybe I'm missing something. I am very LBGTQ friendly, so it's not the concept. It just didn't seem interesting, but maybe I'm wrong. I will look again.



I think Oklahoma and My Fair Lady are out. My mom says she doesn't want to see things she's seen before. Tootsie might be a good bet. Maybe I can send my mom and my son to The Prom while I see Gary. LOL."

The Prom is just completely so much fun. I loved every second of it. The cast is spectacular. 

And not in your big splashy musical category, but have you considered Come From Away. An appealing unique  and totally  feel good musical. Not to miss. Appeals to all ages. 

[Mike Barrett]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 1:31pm

The Prom hasn't really marketed itself super well. Beth and Brooks really steal the show, along with the other broadway stars. All the heart is with the kids, but the comedy, and the music, come from the adults. Its a very funny and heartwarming show. I also saw School of Rock and I liked it, didn't love it, but The Prom I personally found to be much better. The Prom has gotten great reviews on Broadway, and Tootsie did very well out of town as well. Cant go wrong with either Id say! 

[denali.fire]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 1:36pm

roxannex said: "Also, I know that Be More Chill or Mean Girls might appeal to the 13 year old demographic, but I've heard Be More Chill is actually awful, and I don't think my son would like the whole "teen" comedy thing. He's not that into things like that."

 

If your mom is really really hard of hearing Be More Chill might be a choice.  You might leave the theater deaf yourself.

Just sayin 

 

 

[roxannex]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 2:31pm

Ha ha! Okay! We compromised! Tootsie on Saturday for a matinee and Gary on Sunday. She promised she wouldn't be mad at me if she hates it. It has music by Danny Elfman, too! I also have no idea if it's appropriate for my son, but it can't be worse than what he hears coming out of my mouth on the gamer Youtube videos he watches. Thank you! The Prom probably IS good, but I watched a clip online, and it just wasn't doing it for me. SOME time in 10 years I guess I'll see Hamilton. Tickets for everything have gotten so expensive!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 3:07pm

In case you decide againsta comedic sequel to one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, have you considered Waitress? It might fit the criteria. I’m seeing it again (on tour) next week.

[roxannex]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 3:29pm

I think my mom saw it on tour. 

We have bought the tickets! So now my son and I will act out Titus Andronicus. LOL. It is done!

 

And Tootsie should be funny. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 3/12/19 at 3:41pm

TOOTSIE is your best bet and get your tickets now!

https://tootsiemusical.com/

Updated On: 3/12/19 at 03:41 PM