Understudy Joined: 7/18/17
I'm holding off on seeing Phantom based upon BWW's discussion of Barbour. It seems like the consensus is that the incidents aside, he isn't that great to begin with. I've waited this long to see it.
Leading Actor Joined: 12/10/18
comets said: "I'm holding off on seeing Phantom based upon BWW's discussion of Barbour. It seems like the consensus is that the incidents aside, he isn't that great to begin with. I've waited this long to see it."
Definitely see Phantom, but it can totally wait. He's got a great voice, but can't act through it, and is pretty lifeless and dull, unfortunately. Even if he had a squeaky clean past, it's worth waiting for an actor that can really do something exciting with the role. He just can't.
And as to the original question, it totally depends on the kid. There's nothing in the show that I would say is inappropriate for a 12 year old, but there are some more mature themes that might just go over their heads. Try showing them the movie or 25th anniversary concert, and if they like that, it could be worth a shot.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
It depends on the 12 year old. I took my granddaughter to WEST SIDE STORY when she was 5 and she still says it was the best show she's ever seen. She saw PHANTOM when she was 10 and had mixed feelings about it.
I was 11 when I first saw it and I think I liked it.
I was 11 when I first saw it and I think I liked it.
yes bring her to ANASTASIA or SCHOOL of ROCK instead those are the shows my nephews and nieces want to see and they are 11 & 12
Fosse76 said: "johannabarker said: "Do not take anyone to Phantom, let alone a young child, while James Barbour the child molester is playing the Phantom. Not only is he probably the worst Phantom ever (boring beyond belief, struggles with the higher notes) he has molested a young girl."
Well it's not like he's going to jump off the stage and assault a girl. Not to defend him, but thatassault happened over 16 years ago, and his misdemeanor conviction was over 9 years ago. Get over it. I won't even point out that the plot of Phantom includes stalking and kidnappinga young girl who is probably between 15 and 20."
^ This. Mr. Barbour is one of the worst Phantoms I've ever seen (and I've seen plenty of them), but it amazes me how people go on about the horror of an older man seducing a much younger woman when they're talking about a story where precisely that happens.
Stand-by Joined: 8/8/17
Fosse76 and Lot66
The difference is that the Phantom never sexually violates Christine (who is not a child, she's at least twenty in the book).
A fifteen year old child cannot consent. A fifteen year old can't even drive a car. A thirty+ year old man has no business trying to seduce a girl young enough to be his daughter, on the pretense of introducing her to producers. James Barbour molested a fan of his during Jane Eyre. Go on Instagram, there are teenage girls with fan accounts dedicated to him, saying they want to marry him. He meets twenty teenage girls every week at the stagedoor who don't know any better.
I don't care if the fifteen year old threw herself at him (she didn't), an adult's job is to always say no. He's a victim, and if Equity cared about young girls, they'd strip his Equity card so he can never molest a child ever again. A high school teacher who molested a child would not be allowed back in the classroom? How is this any different. Someone with a power imbalance molested a child.
Stand-by Joined: 8/8/17
Also twelve year old girls looooove Wicked. I'd take her to that in an instant.
At the risk of you having to endure your daughter lock herself in her room belting out Defying Gravity to her YouTube fans, I'd say Wicked. But if you don't want Wicked prices, School of Rock and Anastasia are great options. Or hell, why not Cats.
Videos