Did Charlie ATCF get any better??

[Trina55]

I read horrible things during early previews and had totally written this show off, but kiddo saw the video playing above Times Square today and was enthralled. Did it get any better? Specifically, did the gruesome stuff about kids dying and body parts being thrown onstage get cut? I can handle bad if he's excited about it, but don't want to expose him to disturbing or scary. He refused to see Matilda because he was afraid of Trunchbull. Any input appreciated! 

 

[Islander_fan]

I've worked it and seen it a few times. If your kid saw and liked the Gene Wilder movie then this would be fine for him. The Broadway production, from what I understand, is more in line with the movie than the London one which, I believe (though could be mistaken) is truer to the original novel. Anything that you may think of as "gruesome" is no worse than its depiction in the Wilder Wonka film. 

The difference between Chocolate Factory and Matilda is that Matilda the musical was based more on the book, including bringing the dark tone of Dalh's children's books into the show. This left some who were only aware of Matilda through the 90's movie dismayed specially when it came to depicting Matilda's powers which were not a major part in the book but were in the movie. Factory, is basically the Gene Wilder movie onstage. 

[CATSNYrevival]

Pretty sure the squirrels still tear off Veruca's limbs. That hasn't been cut.

[bwayphreak234]

I don't think the show got any better, I think people's expectations just got lower. The show is absolute garbage in my opinion.

[Islander_fan]

For what it's worth, this show is beyond family friendly. I've seen a good number of families, who, while seating them tell me that it's their kids first Broadway show. And, popularity aside, I think it it is.

[HenryTDobson]

As someone who just saw this for the first time yesterday, it's horrible. The show gave me a headache that lasted well into the night. I'm astonished at how the creative team could take such a beloved and smart story and make it into such crap. 

[BobPopa]

How old a kid are we talking about?

[Snee17]

I've seen Charlie and I enjoyed it. You can sit back and enjoy the production and not have to think. I recommend the show. 

[seanmcdonagh121]

I'm definitely in the minority but I actually enjoyed this show a lot. I went in expecting to hate it and only wanted to see Christian Borle and Jackie Hoffman live but if you allow yourself to go with the show and just have a fun time then that you will have in bucket loads. 

I think the cast is working their butt off and bring so much energy to a relatively bland show. 

[seanmcdonagh121]

I'm definitely in the minority but I actually enjoyed this show a lot. I went in expecting to hate it and only wanted to see Christian Borle and Jackie Hoffman live but if you allow yourself to go with the show and just have a fun time then that you will have in bucket loads. 

I think the cast is working their butt off and bring so much energy to a relatively bland show. 

[BroadwayMan5]

It's absolutely family friendly. Even the more dark things are done in a pretty silly way. I didn't love the show but I thought Christian Borle elevated the material, especially in Act 2.

[Gink]

Totally agree--Borle elevated the material which was pretty bad. That said we laughed at times and our mouths hit the floor when Veruca was ripped apart by the squirrels. The little kids around us did not seem to mind at all that her limbs were being paraded around (briefly) by giant, menacing squirrels or when Violet's Dad comes out draped in her entrails.

 

[Trina55]

Thanks all! These comments have been super helpful (and I totally forgot Jackie Hoffman was in the show - that might make it worthwhile for me). I think I'll look at discount tix next time we're in town.

PThesbian- how is SOR in terms of kid-friendliness? My son loved their Tony number but he's only six so based on the movie I thought it might be inappropriate. I'd definitely be interested in taking him to see that if it's not. Lion King and Aladdin all depend on the luck of the lottery draw :)

[@z5]

After hearing certain thing I wasn't so into seeing it, but my family and I ended up really enjoying it. Christian Borle was great. The second act in particular was pretty good!

[Miles2Go2]

Trina55 said: "Thanks all! These comments have been super helpful (and I totally forgot Jackie Hoffman was in the show - that might make it worthwhile for me). I think I'll look at discount you next time we're in town.

PThesbian- how is SOR in terms of kid-friendliness? My son loved their Tony number but he's only six so based on the movie I thought it might be inappropriate. I'd definitely be interested in taking him to see that if it's not. Lion King and Aladdin all depend on the luck of the lottery draw :)"

TKTS says the age recommendation for both CATCF and SOR is 10. For Aladdin and The Lion King, it's 6. Not sure if that helps. 

[IHeartNY2]

lol, don't bother asking anything Charlie-related on these boards...where u have to feel guilty for saying u had a great time. Seen it 3X (each of the Charlies) and loved it. Couple of things I definitely wish were different, but I can say that about a lot of other shows I've seen. But yes, Borle was born to play Wonka. Takes it to whole other level! Definitely check it out. 

[Snee17]

Christian makes a wonderful Wonka. His facial expressions alone will make you smile. 

You can tell the cast is having a great time and really are enjoying what they do. I honestly enjoy Charlie and think it is worth going to see. 

[Miles2Go2]

PThespian said: "Miles2Go2 said: "Trina55 said: "Thanks all! These comments have been super helpful (and I totally forgot Jackie Hoffman was in the show - that might make it worthwhile for me). I think I'll look at discount you next time we're in town.

PThesbian- how is SOR in terms of kid-friendliness? My son loved their Tony number but he's only six so based on the movie I thought it might be inappropriate. I'd definitely be interested in taking him to see that if it's not. Lion King and Aladdin all depend on the luck of the lottery draw :)"

TKTS says the age recommendation for both CATCF and SOR is 10. For Aladdin and The Lion King, it's 6. Not sure if that helps. Res 

 

"

SOR is extremely kid friendly. My cousin just took her 3 yo (almost 4), and he loved it. 

Trust me. Every show there's a line of strollers along the wall. We also get a lot of "lap kids." (The parents love it when we tell them the child needs a ticket too). 

I think the only reason it says 10+ is because there are three curse words. 

If that doesn't bother you then come get your rock on!

 

i really enjoyed SOR and couldn't recall anything offensive, but of course wasn't watching it with my child-filter on. Fun side note: One holiday, I brought the videotape of Jerry McGuire home to watch with my parents. Turns out it's not a family friendly movie. My dad had to explain to my mom what "shoplift the pootie" meant. Happy Holidays! (Hangs his head in shame). So maybe I'm not the best judge of "family friendly." 

 

 

 

[Gink]

While the show has A LOT of faults imo, seeing it live and watching the cast give their all made it better.  Our Charlie was perfect--we did laugh and we could totally pick the show apart after, but all of the kids around us were happy at intermission and after the show they were still chatting happily. 

[TheThreadMaster]

Without Christian Borle, I think this show would be rather unsuccessful and boring. He truly is a boradway star.