FUN HOME for a 12 year old?

[dres40]

Posted: 5/1/15 at 11:40pm

I’m not much of a poster here, but love lurking!

I need some advice.

My 12 year old daughter, who loves theater, wants to see FUN HOME. She heard about all the Tony nominations and wants to go.

She is a theater kid and loves anything live on stage.  We try to go to the theater, with discounts, as much as we can afford.

Her last show was IF/THEN.   She loved it and we had a great talk about “What the F…” 

I didn’t think of taking her to see this. It just seemed like an adult show.

Is there anything in the show that would be really inappropriate for a mature 12 year old?

Any input would be appreciated.

[MorningGlow2]

Posted: 5/1/15 at 11:54pm

I think it's lovely that you're considering taking her. There are indeed multiple complex mature themes, but I don't think there was anything inappropriate regardless of age. Of course questions like this will attract opinions from all corners of personal beliefs from strongly opinionated individuals on this forum, so brace yourself

If you're really concerned of the material, you should listen to the songs most of which is available on their website. If you want to go the extra mile, read Alison Bechdel's graphic novel. The musical is a somewhat a toned down version of the book (some might disagree here), but the story and themes remain the same.

Also, "Come to the Fun Home" alone is not representative of the show. I recommend you watch the highlights reel from Playbill to get a good sense of what to expect.

If you do go, I hope you and your daughter enjoy is as much as I do.

Updated On: 5/1/15 at 11:54 PM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 12:13am

There are some very dark, mature and occasionally sexual themes in the show. However, it sounds like your daughter is pretty mature, and is clearly really excited about seeing it. Of course, it's your call. I say follow the previous poster's advice and do some research on the show. If you decide to take her, you might want to talk to her about the subject matter before she sees it, so she knows what she's getting into. Best of luck! 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 1:29am

You haven't told us how much  YOU know about the show....just the title? The basic premise?

 

IF you follow the above advice about reading the graphic novel, I would say the only thing toned down is the sex which is relatively graphic in the novel.  The most physical the stage show gets is a few same sex kisses, but implied more.  You do see the women in bed together, but nothing "happens" there.

Lastly, if you thought If/Then was appropriate for her, I don't see how this wouldn't be...unless either of you are uncomfortable with sexuality.

 

My kids are older now, but I know  I would have brought them at 12.

 

Updated On: 5/2/15 at 01:29 AM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 1:41am

FYI, per the Fun Home site but as her parent you know best and it seems she is mature enough for the subject matter based on your post.

AUDIENCE

Recommended for ages 13 and up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.

Updated On: 5/2/15 at 01:41 AM

[verdigris]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 1:44am

I agree with dramamama611 on If/Then. If she was mature enough to see that show, she should be fine with Fun Home. I don't think Fun Home has anything more inappropriate than If/Then.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 3:37am

Take her, Disney has been conditioning kids for years with dark themes. Nothing worse in this, than watching your uncle kill your father! 

 

 

[icecreambenjamin]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 9:27am

She'll definitely be fine.  There's some sexual subject matter, but i don't think that it's too strong for a 12 year old.

I think that you should do a bit of research and determine if you are comfortable with the material. 

Posted: 5/2/15 at 10:35am

If it were a movie, it would probably get a PG-13 rating.  And as Robbie2 noted, the website also recommends 13 and up.  There's no nudity, no drug use and only a handful of curses.  But there are some other decidedly adult themes in the show.

With my own teen daughter, when she was on that age borderline, before booking tickets we always weighed the artistic merit of the show against the profanity.  And most of the time, as I think in this case, the artistic merit won out.  Glad we did, both at the Public and on Broadway.  This one's historic, not to be missed.

[ARTc3]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 11:28am

Weird. No one so far has just mentioned the subject matter: sexuality (mostly lesbian/gay), infidelity, and suicide. Both subjects are handled honestly and sensitively. If you're good with that, go. Its a great show and it has the potential of touching you and your daughter deeply.

Updated On: 5/2/15 at 11:28 AM

[dres40]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 3:21pm

All wonderful replies!

I did read the novel and I am aware of the story and the themes.

That's why I was asking, to find out if there were any graphic depictions of sex, violence or death.   Seems like it will be fine for her.

We are a progressive family and talk to her about our support for LGBT rights and marriage equality.  

Seems like this will be a great show to open up even more discussions.

Thanks so much, this has been very helpful!  I'm going to take her.

 

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 3:28pm

College age Alison awkwardly rolls around under covers with Joan (both have on t-shirts and  panties) for a few moments.  This coincided with the moment a woman on the aisle in the section next to ours got up, slowly walked up the stairs, and never returned.

[ABB2357]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 3:40pm

Too bad for that lady! Geez, some people...

[MorningGlow2]

Posted: 5/2/15 at 6:50pm

"All wonderful replies!
I did read the novel and I am aware of the story and the themes.
That's why I was asking, to find out if there were any graphic depictions of sex, violence or death.   Seems like it will be fine for her.
We are a progressive family and talk to her about our support for LGBT rights and marriage equality.  
Seems like this will be a great show to open up even more discussions.
Thanks so much, this has been very helpful!  I'm going to take her.
 "

Ah well, then it should be no problem at all. Enjoy!