Quick question. I have a niece who is 7 years old. Normally on the show's website it will list an age recommendation but I couldn't find any on Once on this Island's FAQ section on its website. I know there are kids in the show but what would you suggest is a minimum age to see the show?
I know for FROZEN the musical they recommend the child to be at least 8 years old. For Aladdin the musical, they recommend the child to be at least 6 years old.
As always, it depends on the kid. For what it's worth, when I saw the show there was a tiny little girl who looked to be about 6 or 7 sitting in the front row, and she seemed to be enjoying it. There are some moments that have the potential to be scary for little ones, but nothing extreme.
The closest there is to a scary villain is Papa Ge and I don't know how it's staged in this version. There might also be loud storm noises (thunder, etc.). Aside from that the story is basically The Little Mermaid so there's nothing objectionable. Use your judgment.
(Caveat: I haven't seen this production yet, but I know the show itself well.) I think a 7-year-old would really enjoy it! The show is literally about entertaining a child by sharing the island's history. I don't think a typical 7-year-old would be scared by the storms or Papa Ge, though heads up that there are some general "adult themes" of wives vs. mistresses and the questionably sexist/dated message of a woman giving up everything to win the love of a man. (I mean, tale as old as time, but still.) Aside from that, the music is fantastic and catchy, and I've heard nothing but great things about this production. She'd probably love seeing the little girl(s) on stage.
I HAVE seen this production, which is amazing, but there is a lot to potentially terrify small children. Very loud thunder, lightning, rain and wind effects, sudden blackouts, and the actress playing Papa Ge is very, very intense and threatening, with a spiky costume that appears to be soaked in blood.
Also, it's a great story, but spoiler alert in
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Ti Moune doesn't make it.
A small girl near me had her hands over her eyes all throughout the Papa Ge segments and when Ti Moune dies, she was openly crying.
Ultimately it has a joyous ending but getting there goes through a few dark twists and turns.
^I saw this production tonight, and I completely agree. There are a lot of dark themes, a suggested sex scene, and some moments I would define as more startling than scary. I'd say it's appropriate for 11 (middle school) or so and up.