Best shows for 11-year-old boy?

My oldest son (almost 14) and I are huge Broadway fans and have seen many shows together, but his brother, who is 11, hasn't been that interested up until now. We did take him to see "All Shook Up" and "Spamalot," and he enjoyed both of those. Now he's ready to see something else, and I'm not sure what to pick, based on what's available right now. He has no interest in seeing anything Disney. He has expressed interest in "Spelling Bee," "Jersey Boys," "Avenue Q" (not sure if this would really be appropriate--he of course thinks he knows everything, and he probably does, but...), "The Producers" (would he get the humor?), "Chicago" and "Rent" (I've seen the last two but wouldn't mind going again--I think "Chicago" would be fine; "Rent" would be OK although I might be a little squirmy sitting through "Contact" with him!)He's seen the "Rent" movie & loved it.
What do you think? He's at such an in-between age, it's hard to know what he can understand and appreciate at times. He seems to like things that are a little off-beat (he loves Tim Burton films). He absolutely refuses to consider anything that is really aimed towards children (e.g., "Lion King," "Beauty & The Beast.")
Thanks!

---

Spelling Bee would be a lot of fun for him, too, I'm sure.

---

SWEENEY TODD! You're never too young to experience this show live.

---

Definitely HAIRSPRAY as well.

---

Spelling Bee and DRS, would be my picks for an 11 year old.

---

I'd still say if she's concerned about the Contact scene in Rent, she might want to wait a few years for Avenue Q.

There were lots of kids when I saw SPELLING BEE and they were having a ball.
Sometimes they get a kid in the show!

Thanks, everyone!
I have seen "Hairspray" (with Harvey and Marissa) and loved it; I definitely wouldn't mind seeing it again. I did bring that one up with Alex but for some reason he wasn't too intrigued; maybe I'll play the cast recording for him and see if that works!
My older son and I just saw DRS recently, just before John Lithgow left the show. To be honest I thought it was OK, but not great. Not because of the acting; the acting/singing was great, especially Norbert Leo Butz, but I just thought the show overall was mediocre. So I'd probably pass on seeing that again.
I think I'm leaning towards "Spelling Bee"! Thanks!
Now I just have to look for tickets,
Karen

---

Yeah, Avenue Q would be a bit much for your son's age.

Here are shows that I would suggest, including ones I have seen already.

The Lion King
Mamma Mia
Wicked
The Phantom of the Opera
Jersey Boys

DRS came immediately to my mind.
The lion king is also a good one.
wicked.
lestat bc of the vampire theme
hairspray

---

LMAO @ "nothing mature about CHICAGO." Murder and adultery is kids play, we all knew that! Riiight.

The reccommened age for CHICAGO is 12 and older. I think that should be followed.

I really don't think DRS is good for 11 year olds.

HAIRSPRAY would be good.

id defiantly say spelling bee
DRS ; im 12 and my friends were telling me their parents wouldn't let them see it until next year; so i think that's a no

If one of his choices is Spelling Bee and you don't mind seeing it, I'd say go for it!

Not all the subject matter is 11 year old-oriented but then again, most all shows have some sort of adult type theme in it.

---