I tried a search on this, but I didn't find anything.
What age is appropriate for Hairspray? I ask because the tour is coming to Indy and I was thinking of taking my soon-to-be nine year-old sister. Is it more risque than the movie musical?
13 and above.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
"13 and above."
Absurd. While there are a few risque moments, most of it would be over the heads of a 9 year old. So will be perfectly fine.
I know that a lot of pre-teens really enjoyed it as well.
"So will be perfectly fine."
Speak English much?
It was just my opinion.
If she likes fun songs and fun dances moves, she'll love it!
When I saw it on Broadway, I saw kids who I'd say were 10-13 at the youngest. It was back when Diana DeGarmo was Penny and they seemed pretty eager to get her autograph in particular after.
When I saw the tour, I saw kids as young as 8.
I always say that these things depend on the maturity of the child and the individual family values.
I can't really think about what would be innappropiate (I saw it 3 years ago). There's a moment in Without Love that's a little pg-13, but I think she's be fine
Yes, my niece is 10, and loves the show.
Of course, it made for an awkward moment or two when she developed a habit of going around shouting "It's Negro Day!" She was a bit young to understand the history behind that.
Ta Da!
My point.
Okay, well this sounds like it will be fine for her overall. She's really mature for her age, so I think she should be able to handle what's been mentioned so far.
On a side not, I'm really excited that she's kind of getting into theatre! Our town is not especially... theatrical, but she's done some kids theatre stuff, and she seems to really love it. The only professional show she's seen is "The Lion King" which she absolutely adured.
THANKS, everyone for all your opinions! Keep 'em coming! :)
Stand-by Joined: 1/19/08
I say take her.
It is more "risque" as you say than the movie, but nothing you really wouldn't see watching TV.
Stand-by Joined: 1/22/08
theatrediva I wouldn't say that proves your point, I think it proves that some of it will go over her head.
I'd say go for it. My only concern would be her understanding of the civil rights theme but if she saw and enjoyed the movie that should be a non-issue. She'll have a great time. I was probably about 9 or 10 the first time I saw it on Broadway.
If you decide to take her, have fun!
Stand-by Joined: 8/2/06
i saw HAIRSPRAY when i was 14 (front row BTW) and my younger brother and sister were about ten. Alot of the inuendo/ racist jokes just flew over their heads. They don't use the "N" word or anything like that, i dont think. Also, the Movie and the show are very different, so you're prepared. It's your call
I took my nine year old sister. EVERYTHING flew over her head. YOu'll be fine.
she should definitely be fine, as everyone said any reference that may be considered innapropriate will probably just go over her head, and its definitely a kid-friendly show styalistically and offers a great message. go for it!
any age over 7 or 8 maybe
There are 4 year olds who see it!
There's no real racism in it, like them being denied to go to the same school or to go the library or do anything. No violence against them. No one saying the N-word. The only racism is Negro Day, and you could just explain to her before that Negro used to be an okay term, but now it is not and that the people in "Hairspray" are not bad. They are actors, and they do what actors do, they pretend.
I saw it when I was 12 and loved it. (Clearly.)
9 is fine, there are a few moments that are suggestive, but as someone pointed out, it's done tastefully and will go over her head.
Enjoy.
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