What show should I take an age group 13-18 to see for first broadway show?

I am running a theater camp August 13-15 for military kids who have never experienced a broadway show before and I am taking them to see their first broadway show. What show on broadway right now should I take them to see. I was thinking between Aladdin, Newsies, Kinky Boots or Matilda.

From the perspective of an educator who had to consider parental opinion on everything, I would take Kinky Boots off your list. Yes, the show is fun and truly has a great message at the heart, but there are parents who don't feel Lola, the Angels, and her lifestyle are appropriate for kids (I disagree, but whatever).

I'd stick with safe--Newsies, Cinderella, Aladdin, Matilda, or if they've never experienced live theater, Phantom. I've seen middle school kids eat that show up.

Aladdin, Wicked, Newsies, or Phantom of the Opera. Maybe even Les Mis depending on the age distribution in the group.

I haven't seen Aladdin, but I would say that one. Start them off with something they're familiar with.

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Aladdin for sure. Newsies - 2nd choice. Kinky Boots is more of a personal choice - most fun, great message..I am their biggest supporter... but for a first show, not my first choice either.

Aladdin is probably the most fun - the most commercial and the most familiar - and yet still so much fun. It's probably not the BEST show all around but for this situation, I think your safest bet at having a great time.

MATILDA, no question. It has heart, magic, and is truly incredible. Much more dense than Aladdin, and much more entertaining!

Les Mis! I took each of my three kids to see it on their 10th birthdays, and it hooked all three on musical theater. In fact, the oldest is now an AEA stage manager 25 years later.

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My vote would be Pippin or Newsies. I was not overly thrilled with Matilda (both in London and NYC), the show lacks the heart the books has and I was bored to death for most of the show.

I think that age group will die of boredom at Les Miz. It's not exactly a high energy, fun show. I still die of boredom watching it.

Updated On: 6/5/14 at 11:19 PM

I'd say no to Matilda actually - these are teenagers! They're going to want something exciting, which isn't a bunch of children on stage. You all are acting like they're 3rd graders. My vote is Phantom, Chicago, Aladdin, and Pippin.

Updated On: 6/6/14 at 12:31 AM

Are you serious? How is Aladdin more childish than Matilda? Matilda is all about 3rd graders! They sing songs about growing up! They sing about themselves being revolting! They're amazing, but most of those teenagers will walk out of the theater thinking they just saw a local children's theater production. Also, your opinion is completely invalidated by the fact that you think Phantom is boring.

Speaking for myself, when I was a teenager, I would have rolled my eyes at the prospect watching something adapted from a movie as campy as Aladdin.

Matilda may have a bunch of children on stage, but it is completely enjoyable to any age group. In fact, I'd argue that anyone can enjoy it EXCEPT for very small children as it has its moments where it goes dark. I personally love the show and don't think it's "childish" at all. The set, performances, and choreography are amazing.

Aladdin may have adult actors, but the show is definitely meant for children ages 5-10. That's not a knock on it--that's who the show was made for. Not saying older kids can't enjoy it; they probably would. I just think it would be a more memorable experience if you took them to something a little more challenging.

Add me to the list of people who think you shouldn't take them to see something they're already all too familiar with. Expose them to something new.

Updated On: 6/6/14 at 01:56 AM

Definitely Matilda! Newsies would be good also, but Matilda is incredible.