Chicago, Avenue Q and Rent: Not Family-Friendly Theater

In my last article about Broadway musicals, I introduced you to shows that would be perfect for a family outing to the theater. I do recognize, though, that there is a flip side to Broadway, and that not all shows are appropriate for children.

Here are three of the shows that young children should not be going to. Keep in mind that even though these aren't family friendly, they will be appropriate for kids once they are older and understand some of the more serious issues in today's world.

Chicago: Chicago is Broadway's longest running musical and in 2004, was made into a hit movie with some of Hollywood's biggest names. The story is about two women, Roxie and Velma, who are imprisoned in Chicago's County Jail on Murderess Row. Roxie, Velma, and their counterparts are jailed for murdering men who cheated on them in some way. All of them are vying for the attention of attorney Billy Flynn, who is one of the best defense attorneys for women who have been charged with murder.

There are a few reasons why the show isn't appropriate for children. The story features gun violence and even the music tells stories of violence, drugs, and murder. Also, the female characters are scantily clad; which means it's too early to be teaching your children about sexuality.

Avenue Q: Don't let the hand puppets fool you. Avenue Q appears to tell a wholesome story in nature with a character named Princeton making a name for himself in New York City. Together, he and his new friends go on a quest to find themselves and become successful in the Big Apple. The show is great for adults and older teenagers, but songs about Internet porn, sex, and drinking isn't quite right for the younger set.

Rent: Rent has been on Broadway since 1996 and the movie version in 2006 struck big with teenagers who wanted to see the screenplay over and over again. The story is told through the eyes of amateur filmmaker Mark Cohen, who documents life in the rough and tumble neighborhood of Avenue A. He and his roommate Roger are facing eviction for not paying their rent, their neighbor Mimi is a stripper and drug addict, and their friend Angel; while a giver to those in trouble, is battling AIDS.

Although there is nothing wrong with exploring the darker side of a New York neighborhood, the mature themes will make it harder to explain to children what is exactly going on. The issues are very real but may upset a lot of kids who have yet to understand AIDS, homelessness, and drug use.

Broadway plays can be a great family outing but there are some instances where the kids shouldn't be brought along. It is best to wait until your children are teenagers or older to let them know about these important issues and bring them to see plays that deal with the harder side of life.