Would you take a 5 year old boy to Wicked?

[SarahNYC2]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 3:38pm

I feel kind of mean. I'm living in Orlando and plan to take my daughter to see Wicked (she's 8, and saw it at 5 in London). My good friend wants to come with her daughter-no problem-same age as mine. She also wants to bring her 5 year old son. I basically said I didn't think that was a good idea. At 5 my daughter had seen multiple broadway shows-this child has never seen a show longer than 45 minutes at a kids theater. Thoughts, opinions?

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 3:41pm

If they're able to behave, yes, but that doesn't mean he'll enjoy it. 

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 3:42pm

I think your question has the answer in it, it matters less about his age and more his behaviour...

Is he known for being rowdy after sitting for a long time? If yes then it would probably be a bad idea.

[MinnieFay]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 6:17pm

I think the question is --- why are you making the parenting decisions for your friend's kid?  Doesn't she know him better than you do?

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 6:40pm

Personally, I would not take a 5 year old to a show that runs upwards of two and a half hours. However, if the child is well-behaved and can sit quietly through the entire show, there shouldn't be an issue. I don't know this particular child, but most 5 year olds that I have met could probably not do that. 

Also keep in mind that the parts where The Wizard enters and when the monkeys fly around could be potentially scary to such a young child. 

Essentially, if his behavior could be disruptive, do not take him.

 

[SarahNYC2]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 7:51pm

MinnieFay said: "I think the question is --- why are you making the parenting decisions for your friend's kid?  Doesn't she know him better than you do?

Well I know him pretty well, and I am spending 137 plus per ticket so my daughter and I can see this. This is a friend who doesn't really think about what her children want, but what she wants to do. Personally I am not sure the little girl will like/want to see the show. Basically this is a situation where I was saying what I am doing, and the mom is like we want to come without giving it any thought.  I take going to the theater pretty seriously. I started taking my daughter when she was 4. She loves going and knows what is expected-I am not sure this mom knows what going to a real show is like. And Wicked is somewhat heavy and long so I definitely don't think it's a great idea for a first introduction. 

 

"

 

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 8:01pm

Oh no, wicked is a great first introduction. But the children should be behaved.

[SarahNYC2]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 8:25pm

I appreciate everyone's thoughts. My friend decided it should just be a girls afternoon. Tickets bought. We're excited. Hopefully my daughter's friend likes the show. But either way I know my daughter and I will have a great time!

[TheGingerBreadMan]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 8:45pm

Glad to hear it. Have fun!

[Glittergrrl]

Posted: 10/17/16 at 10:14pm

I think you made the right choice.  I teach kindergarten so I'm around a lot of 5 year olds.  2 1/2 hours is a very long time for a five year old BOY to sit.  Even a very mature 5 year old would have difficulty sitting quietly, maintaining their focus for such an extended period of time.  I personally didn't find the show that dazzling, (although Defying Gravity is pretty thrilling).  I don't want to speak broadly, but in general, I think the subject matter would probably appeal more to a young girl than boy.  Good call.   

[djoko84]

Posted: 10/18/16 at 9:03am

I took my 5 year old nephew to The Lion King and while he enjoyed it, he was moving around his chair the whole time. I would say 5 is too young. Maybe 7 is a better age.

[Dave13]

Posted: 10/18/16 at 9:11am

I think parts of the show could be scary for a 5 year old. 

[Broadwaybeauty2]

Posted: 10/18/16 at 12:23pm

Just took a 6 year old and a 10 year old, both loved it. Both boys. I say go for it.

[KathyNYC2]

Posted: 10/18/16 at 12:42pm

Broadwaybeauty2 said: "Just took a 6 year old and a 10 year old, both loved it. Both boys. I say go for it.

 

"

^^They already decided to have a girls day out and not to take him. ^^^^^