Would you fly two teens from CA to NY to see Hamilton?- Page 2

[MVintheheartland]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 6:25pm

Yes! First of all,  you will be the coolest parent in the world. Second, your kids will remember this for a long time (I hope). I took both my kids to Europe the day after they graduated from high school, they saw shows in London, and they both remember these trips. 

Also, their friends will think they are really lucky. Don't worry about grumpy teachers. And yes, the history lesson from Hamilton will justify the trip.  (And don't listen to the nay-sayers on this board. Just do it!)

Have a great time!

 

Updated On: 11/8/15 at 06:25 PM

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 6:25pm

I'm torn on this.  As a teacher, part of me says pulling your kids early in the school year 3 or 4 days isn't a great move.  The routines and expectations have just been established and you're tossing that into the air.  As a theater lover, part of me says, "Sure!  If you want to plan a vacation around Hamilton, do it!"

Does your school have any long weekends in the fall?  Holidays or conferences?  I think if you're going to do it, having an absence on Friday or Monday is less disruptive then middle of the week absences.

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:05pm

Hamilton is a one set show with eleven in the orchestra.  It will look and sound the same on tour as it does in New York.

You can probably watch it online already if you search hard enough and there will certainly be a movie made and a tour will come to your city so this is more a question of your patience rather than if you should be taking your children out of school. I paid $59 for my ticket to Hamilton on Broadway and would not see it again.

That said, New York is a world class city and a family visit at anytime will make memories that will last a lifetime. 

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:06pm

JPeterman said: "Is it an option for you to just take your son? Then you could even go in the summer since your daughter wouldn't be going ... and it doesn't sound like your husband would complain if he didn't get to go.

The price of the tickets, plane and meals would be half, and your hotel room may be a little more affordable with two people instead of four.

Then in a couple years you could plan a different "senior graduation" trip for your daughter. "

 

I could just take my son, yes, I had considered that.  Actually, airfare in the summer is more than 3x what it is when it is not a school break, isn't that unfair!   Boo!  Parents married to the school schedules go broke trying to fly during peak vacation times.  Now I am thinking that even Spring Break 2017 will be terribly high .

 

I think that given 11 months, my husband might grow terribly fond of the soundtrack .  But that could just be the optimist in me!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:12pm

Given all the subsequent information you have presented, my honest answer to the question with which you opened this thread is: No.

 

Don't spend that kind of time and money to hope everybody loves the show as much as you do.  I just feel like you're setting yourself up for big disappointment.  And I really don't think it's a good idea to miss school.

Updated On: 11/8/15 at 07:12 PM

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:13pm

oncemorewithfeeling2 said: "I'm torn on this.  As a teacher, part of me says pulling your kids early in the school year 3 or 4 days isn't a great move.  The routines and expectations have just been established and you're tossing that into the air.  As a theater lover, part of me says, "Sure!  If you want to plan a vacation around Hamilton, do it!"

 

Does your school have any long weekends in the fall?  Holidays or conferences?  I think if you're going to do it, having an absence on Friday or Monday is less disruptive then middle of the week absences.

 

"

No long weekends in the fall, sadly.  My son gets Veterans Day off this year, a Wednesday, but it varies year to year (don't these schools know that I can buy theatre tickets 11 months in advance?!?).  Holidays are a week in February, a week in March or April, Memorial Day,  just Thanksgiving Day and the Friday afterward, and the Winter Break in December.  My daughter can take off school anytime.  If we are all flying out, I'd like to avoid potential weather delays and holiday fare gouging, so November and December are out.

[lite2shine]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:18pm

If going during Feb week off is an option, that's when the hotels are cheapest. For next Feb, I found Hilton Garden Innfor $138/night.

 

Also do you have any reward credit cards? I stayed free at TS Doubletree hotel because I saved points. I had enough points for three of us to fly to NYC from CA and came back from DC because I signed up for Southwest CC. After you decide to go, you should start sign up for those reward CC and save up points. Then you'll be able to travel within a budget.

 

Also I recommend only take your son. Hamilton is good but it could be too loud for your daughter. You can take her when Hamilton tour comes to town. 

Updated On: 11/8/15 at 07:18 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:21pm

Since only you and your son seems interested in going, why not just make a special weekend for the two if you?  

 

Doesn't he get Columbus Day off?   I'd also keep the days off to a max of two.

 

I don't think taking a day or two off from school is really that big of a deal, if it's seldom done.  (And I'm a teacher)

[PalJoey]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:31pm

 

I love the show but...NO.

 

You seem terribly unbalanced, and I'm not comfortable with this wonderful show being paired with bad parenting.

 

I predict nothing but disaster if you carry out the plan as laid out in this thread.

 

Why not just buy them the CD and the illustrated book when it comes out--and a copy of Ron Chernow's biography!--and see if they develop genuine enthusiasm ON THEIR OWN.

 

ON THEIR OWN.

 

It's icky to think this wonderful show would foisted on innocent teenagers by a parent with an unhealthy obsession.

 

Don't do this.

 

Updated On: 11/8/15 at 07:31 PM

[Theatre dweeb]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:42pm

My sister and I, (14 & 17) saw it together and loved it. We're both in American history right now, and it's helping both of us a lot. If you're ok with them being in the big apple alone, do it. 

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:50pm

dramamama611 said: "Since only you and your son seems interested in going, why not just make a special weekend for the two if you?  

Doesn't he get Columbus Day off?   I'd also keep the days off to a max of two.

I don't think taking a day or two off from school is really that big of a deal, if it's seldom done.  (And I'm a teacher)

"

Our school doesn't get Columbus Day off, too bad.  Thanks for your input.  Nice to know a teacher thinks it's not a completely terrible idea. 

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 7:54pm

I'm a teacher and I say do it!!! You know your kids.  If they typically keep up with their schoolwork and have good attendance, missing a few days isn't going to impact their educational career. A trip to NY, Hamilton... These are educational experiences.  You will make incredible memories with your family that you will always cherish.  

[Mike Costa]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 8:00pm

Hamilton is being featured on 60 Minutes tonight, Sun. Nov 8.

The telecast is late on the east coast due to football.

[ebontoyan]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 8:08pm

60 Minutes/CBS has already started 7:05CST/8:05EST. LMM/Hamilton is the third featured story. Currently the 2nd story is on the air. Sorry can't say much about it, I have the TV on mute. Just waiting for LMM section to come up. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 8:10pm

I have to weigh in on the no side. I am not one who agrees with taking kids out of school unless it is a MUST. No matter how well they are doing.

Also you mentioned the financial strain it will put on your family. Affecting a future vacation with your family and meals. I am sorry but it seems to me that it isn't so much about wanting your kids or child to see it as it is you wanting to see it a 3rd time. Maybe you should have saved the money for your second trip alone to see it and put it towards the trip for all of you to go at a time when the kids are off from school.  I don't think the show is going anywhere soon and I bet you will get either a touring production or sit down production there in a year or so. And I will bet it will be a top notch production. JMO

Updated On: 11/10/15 at 08:10 PM

[Comden Green]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:07pm

PalJoey said: You seem terribly unbalanced, and I'm not comfortable with this wonderful show being paired with bad parenting.

 

It's icky to think this wonderful show would foisted on innocent teenagers by a parent with an unhealthy obsession."

Oh my goodness.  Talk about drama.  No, you show no signs of being terribly unbalanced or a bad parent or an unhealthy obsession.  I see an enthusiastic parent who would like to share an interest.    

I, also am a (retired) teacher.   Take the days off. Enjoy.   Don't even labor over the decision.  (As long as hubby is on board).   

Its an exciting adventure to look forward to.  And it's not like you are just going to see a show. You are introducing your kids to "the greatest city in the world. (Work)".   

[dramamama611]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:22pm

Theatre dweeb said: "My sister and I, (14 & 17) saw it together and loved it. We're both in American history right now, and it's helping both of us a lot. If you're ok with them being in the big apple alone, do it. 

 

"

 

She was never considering sending them to NY alone.  In what world would you send two minors to NYC alone for their first time?   Reading a post is advisable before responding to it.

 

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:25pm

No.

 

There is no urgency. Sleep on it.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:32pm

"Oh my goodness.  Talk about drama.  No, you show no signs of being terribly unbalanced or a bad parent or an unhealthy obsession.  I see an enthusiastic parent who would like to share an interest. "

 

Good Lord, talk about armchair psychology! A handful of posts and this parent is deemed "unbalanced" and a "bad" parent  with an"unhealthy obsession", forsooth! Not to mention a prediction of (gasp!) disaster! I agree with JPeterman and dramamama that you might want to split the difference (and the cost), and go only with your son, but I'd say go. There is far too much focus on school performances as it is.

 

My parents took me out of school all the time, but always made a point to make it an educational trip. As others have said, you're not just taking him to a show, you're taking him to NYC. You can go to Trinity church and see where Hamilton is buried - and so, so much more. He can see where it all happened.

 

I vote yea.

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:36pm

Lately I've had a shift in my thinking.  I'm looking at your situation as more of a mom than an educator.  I'm in my 40s now.  Of course, school is important, but missing a few days isn't going to keep anyone out of college.  I'm not a parent, but several of my girlfriends' kids are either away at college or have a year or two left of high school.  I just know how difficult it has been for them.  They all have great relationships with their kids and they really miss them.  I think this is a great opportunity for you to do something special with them before they head off to college.  (As long as you aren't putting yourself into debt to do so.)  You could go to a museum, go to the 911 memorial.  The city has so much to offer... Many educational experiences.  Riding the subway is in itself an educational experience.

Updated On: 11/8/15 at 09:36 PM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:39pm

I have a hard time understanding why pulling them out of school even needs to be considered?  Do parents and their kids have no overlap in time off anymore?

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 9:50pm

FindingNamo said: "I have a hard time understanding why pulling them out of school even needs to be considered?  Do parents and their kids have no overlap in time off anymore?

 

"

Perhaps not.  I don't know.  Every couple of years, I'll have a student miss a week to go to Disney. The rates are much cheaper during the school year than during peak season. The lines are shorter.  Some families save for years to take their kids to Disney, so I can understand wanting to go when it's less expensive.  I used to get all outraged over it, but really it makes sense.  And if your child works hard, rarely misses school, it's not going to make any difference in the long run.  

[NYfanfromCA]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 10:34pm

Thanks for all of the ideas, on both sides.  Of course, I knew that by posting my question, I'd get answers all over the place .  

There is always a back story, as you know, and as a person you don't know posting here, I can't expect anyone to know anything at all about me and my family.  How could you?  So I really appreciate the great feedback to a complete stranger!  I'm going to think about it some more, and whatever I choose will be just fine for everyone here.  I am usually very good at finding amazing prices on accommodations, and I track airfare constantly for places where I want to take my family, so I can probably spend less than I think.

Worst case scenario, I buy tickets (if I can even get them) and we can't go, so I sell them for what I paid, or donate them to some charity.  Or use two, and sell two.  There is always a way, and a way out.

[loliveve]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 10:37pm

As one who visits NY just for shows [okay I do a lot more than just see shows, but that *is* why I visit]... I think you're awesome for thinking of it, but still don't think it's the greatest idea... and here is why:

- First of all: the cost for your family.  $5000 for 3 days? I think you could do a lot more as a family for that and have a more memorable trip than a quick trip to NY and a race back to CA to get them back to school

- You mention the "history lesson" that can be learned by your kids-- but really all the history lesson can be learned from listening to the cast recording (or, you know, reading the book it is based upon... or the genius.com annotations). So that really isn't a great reason.

- It sounds like YOU want to see the show most, but don't mention whether your kids actually love musical theatre or would be interested in it.  It may be a "memorable" experience, but will they truly enjoy it?

- If you are going to come to NY and really want them to get a history lesson, why not come a during a time that you can stay longer and visit historical places?!

- The show WILL tour and come to CA :)  (And Lin-Manuel Miranda has said the show will be recorded with the original cast sometime before June -- it has probably been delayed because one of the cast members is out until at least January with an injury)

Updated On: 11/8/15 at 10:37 PM

[haterobics]

Posted: 11/8/15 at 11:10pm

loliveve said: "it has probably been delayed because one of the cast members is out until at least January with an injury)"

 

I wasn't a fan of Looking, either.