Show Ratings

Hi all,

I am traveling with a group of 6th-7th graders to NYC in the fall and looking to purchase our show tickets. We have interests in several shows, but unclear of appropriateness of some of these. Any guidance would help. I'm looking for what a traditional rating for the show would be, and why it got that rating.

* Great Comet

* Come From Away

* Dear Evan Hansen

* Groundhog Day

* Bandstand

Thanks so much for the response!

I've seen the film of GD, and recall it being concerning with subject matter of suicide, but it's done in a comedic fashion. Is that still true on stage?

As for DEH: how graphic is it with the suicide? I don't think many of our parents will disagree on their kids seeing the show, especially with such a timely message. BUT...it depends on how its portrayed. If it's done in a fashion such as "13 Reasons Why" (extremely graphic) then I won't win the vote. But, if it's done in a less graphic fashion (or even off-stage), but still the climax and focal point of the show, I could convince them.

Can anyone else speak toward Come From Away? I'm less concerned on the subject matter of 9/11, and more concerned with the amount of language and sexuality in a show.

Come From Away has some language here and there (I recall that there is an F-bomb fairly early in the show), but I think in general it's pretty mild. It's far from gratuitous. Probably a few suggestive references too, but again, very mild.

The suicide in Dear Evan Hansen is entirely off-stage. Nothing graphic at all. The emotional impact it has on the other characters is explored, however, which may be distressing to some.

Haha. I'll take that as a "no-go" for my 11-13yo students.

* Great Comet - PG, a little violence but not much. This one will need a little prep. My son first saw it as a freshmen, and had no problems following....but younger might.

* Come From Away - PG, language (but not harsh), there is a gay couple and some making out of a straight couple -- MOST communities would have no issues with it, but some.....

* Dear Evan Hansen - PG 13, definitely. I brought my HS kids, but those 6th graders might be a bit young...there is a lot of sex talk, which will likely either be uncomfortable or mocking

* Groundhog Day - PG13....but I didn't even remember the group thing. I think it zooms by fast enough not to worry about, the sex is LESS graphic then in the movie (IMO)

* Bandstand - No idea, but it doesn't sound like something I'd take my students to....and they had no interest.

There's a reprise of "Sincerely, Me" at the top of Act 2 in DEH that's not on the cast recording but contains a lyric referencing "sucking d*** for meth". There are a few f-bombs in the dialogue spoken angrily, but nothing 6th and 7th graders don't hear at school or on video games most likely. The suicide and its impact are probably the most careful elements to consider.

Come From Away has the aforementioned f-bombs, but all in a comical context. There is nothing overtly sexual in the show.

There were tweens and teens at both shows when I saw them last month (including some boys who looked to be about 14 sitting next to me at CFA) and they all seemed to greatly enjoy both shows and not be bothered by any content. I think they're both fantastic for families looking for something a little meatier than the Charlie/Aladdin/Wicked route.

Updated On: 5/17/17 at 04:58 PM

"Bandstand is great especially if your kids love live dancing and choreography. "

As much as I enjoyed the show, I think it is really for older audience than 6-7th graders due to the subject of the show and the music. Young people might appreciate the dancing which is great but I just don't think this is the show for them.

dramamama611 said: "cam5y said: "I don't think children of that age have any real understanding of the impact of 9/11. For them it's historical, like the fears of Cold War children under their desks in air raid drills. The impact of DEH would be much more significant, in my opinion."

You'd could easily run into issues with the subject matter in DEH for 6th and 7th graders. I'm damn liberal, and I wouldn't bring them (I taught middle school forever.)

As for 9/11 holding little meaning: shouldn't they learn??? My 16 also only really knew of it as "history", he LOVED it, listens to the cast recording all the time. Also....my middle school is seeing CFA this weekend (not with me), I'll let you know how they handled it. (Note: it is, to the best of my knowledge, 7th and 8th graders...but will find out.)"

Oh, I agree with you entirely! I meant that CFA would not likely be as emotionally traumatic for them as DEH.

broadwaygirl10 said: "Um, I saw GC with a 14 and I love GC to pieces but I would rate it like 12/13+ (a more tame PG13) bc of explicit rape (no sex but onstage intense non-consentual making out), explicit adultery, and an onstage suicide attempts. If your student are mature they'd probably be fine but if you've got some more immature kids it might not go over as well. It can get very heavy and intense at times. My younger brother is pretty mature (5th grade) and I wouldn't go with him. But I don't know if 6th grade me would've been able to habdle it. Also, according to Jordan Roth (producer of GHGDay) it's 10+.



"

Rape? Are you referring to the scene at the end of Act One when Anatole kisses Natasha? Because – while I acknowledge that the initial kiss/lead-up wasn't consensual – Natasha immediately starts kissing him back, and they start a relationship in Act Two. I don't think she would have done that had he "raped" her, nor is it presented that way in War and Peace.

Adultery is indeed a major plot point, however you have to consider it within the grand arc of the show: Natasha and Anatole start their affair, it is portrayed as a toxic relationship, and look where it leaves them: Natasha's reputation is ruined and Anatole is driven out of Moscow. Plus, Natasha is given a chance at redemption through Pierre at the end, and repeatedly regrets what she did, which arguably promotes a positive message about forgiveness.

Also, the suicide attempt is indeed onstage, however it isn't graphic/explicit in any way – Natasha pours arsenic into a glass of water and drinks it, then runs offstage. In the next song, Sonya explains what happened, but very vaguely imo. I think it would go over younger kids heads/not hit them hard at all.

Personally, I think it'd be the best choice, because even if they don't fully grasp the plot, the show itself is a gigantic party. The cast runs through the audience and the lighting/technical elements are amazing, and have a good chance of keeping the attention of all the kids. Shows like Dear Evan Hansen and Come From Away might have some kids squirming in their seats, due to the touchy/sentimental subject matter and other factors.

As for Groundhog Day, I haven't seen it, but I assume that kids would like it considering it was written by Tim Minchin (who wrote Matilda). So that could also be a good choice.