Sweeney Todd -- Approrpriate for 14 year old?

Coming to NY in March and have two tix for Sweeney Todd. My 14 year old son wants to go with me instead of staying in hotel with his 11 year old brother. Mom is willing to stay behing (she doesn't care for Sondheim! but would go reluctantly to see Lupone). Question: is ST appropriate for a mature 14 year old? Is this production too intense, or is it something he will remember when he is 60?

I'm going to ditto ljay to a degree. I think it may be a little to complex. I mean I'm only 16, and was 15 when I saw the show, but I'm obviously very into theatre. This kind of theatre was only fuel for my fire. It really depends on how open minded your son will be going into the show, and how completely he's willing to pay attention. From the way you worded your post it didn't sound like he wanted to be there as much as he didn't want to be in his hotel, and that could be a problem with this production.

But is it appropriate as far as the maturity level of the show vesus that of a 14 year old? Yes.

To add some more. While I think the show is incredible. An average 14 year old who isn't really into theatre - would most likely be bored to tears.

Even trying to get younger teens (who like theatre) into Sondheim could be hard. I know at 14, I couldn't get into Sondheim. It took a few years.

Updated On: 2/24/06 at 11:24 PM

I'm 15 and I thought it was one of the best shows I have ever seen! I understood the themes and the plot line perfectly. But then, I'm just really smart..

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I saw this show when I was 11 or 12 and loved it and understood everything I think. I'd say, go for it.

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Oh, there's plenty to keep kids interested -- blood, murder, eating people, etc. I've loved the show since I was 11 or 12, and even when I showed my friends the DVD of the '82 tour with Hearn and Lansbury, they were entertained. It's fine for a 14 year old.

It really depends on your son. If he enjoys going to the theater and seeing shows, then take him along. If he normally doesn't like theater, you might want to leave him with his brother. It isn't about how mature he is- just whether he will be interested or not.

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I say yes, it's fine for a 14 year old. I would just say that maybe going over the plot before hand would be a good idea. I am direct a teen theatre group and we are arranging a trip for them to see this in April.

Thank you, Scarywarhol. I took my 12 old to see it at City Opera, and would've taken him a year earlier. We saw the new one last fall, when he was 14, and he only got more out of it. I am startled by the number of posts who suggest it's too complicated. What do you think 14 year olds are reading in school? What do you think they are watching in many of those god-awful PG-13 movies?

What's more critical: Teens need to be exposed to the best of the arts sooner, not later. I have a friend who waited, always "protecting" her daughter from the darker elements in every b'way show (witness, LES MIZ). Of course, she awoke one day with a bland, INCURIOUS 16 year old, who by that point didn't have the attention span, patience, or powers of analysis -- or desire to see plays with her mother.

I shocked friends by taking my son to see THE BEAUTIFUL GAME in London, when he was 10. Guess what? He's the only kid in his peer group who knows bupkus about the Troubles, the IRA, and a piece of contemporary history not covered in this country. My philosophy: aim higher for your kid, not low. Raise the bar, and talk about the show and its themes afterwards. There isn't a magical age when kids will suddenly want to see more demanding fare. Expose 'em early, and they'll come along for the glorious ride.

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Updated On: 2/25/06 at 01:01 PM

Whether the show is appropriate or whether it will go over his head are two different things.

Yes, the show is appropriate. Not sure if he will "get it" or not, how is anyone sure?

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I'm 14 and I saw Sweeney on Sunday. But I think it really depends on the maturity level and the attention span of whoever is seeing it. It's not a flashy show; it's definitely more conceptual. Also, the storyline can be difficult to follow if one doesn't pay attention to the lyrics. Some people find it helpful to read a synopsis of the show beforehand, though I did not and I understood everything.

I would say that it is appropriate. It's not really scary...creepy, but not scary. Just make sure that your son isn't expecting a spectacle like Phantom of the Opera. It's quite different.

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It wasn't scary so he should be fine. But he may feel bored sometimes.

There are some overly sensitive children who it might be too much to deal with. (Remember the 2ndary story of the judges lust for his ward Johanna and the way Tobias is dispatched by those he trusts?) it's an individual call. My 13 yr old neice would be fine but her 40 yr old mom would not!!