Is Les Miserables ok for a 7 year old child?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's an amazing musical. there isn't anything graphic or gory in it, but I don't think it's appropriate for a 7 year old. Very adult themes, mature storyline. I think it would be a waste to bring a 7 year old. Even so e adults I know didn't appreciate it or enjoy it.

This a thousand times over.

Agreed. It's one of my favorite musicals and my daughter enjoys musicals so I look forward to going with her, but for the next few years we'll be sticking with shows that are a bit lighter.

[Anonymous]

Long. It's so long. Like, 3 hours plus intermission long. Saw it a few years ago at Wolftrap. If we hadn't been sitting on the lawn and more able to whisper, move around, get up, have snacks, and look forward to songs we like never would have made it — as two 30-somethings.

[Anonymous]

My 7 and 9 year old sons loved it. We listened to the soundtrack a lot beforehand, and I told them the basics of the story through the songs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's an amazing musical. there isn't anything graphic or gory in it, but I don't think it's appropriate for a 7 year old. Very adult themes, mature storyline. I think it would be a waste to bring a 7 year old. Even so e adults I know didn't appreciate it or enjoy it.

What in the world do you consider "graphic" or "gory"? People (including children) getting shot and killed, jumping off bridges, and selling themselves isn't graphic enough for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've seen in a couple of times. I think it's fine for a seven year old. Think PG or maybe PG-13. Several references to prostitution. My son saw it for the first time when he was 8 and the sexual references went right over his head. There are a couple of swear words sprinkled throughout the dialogue, but again nothing major.

If you have issues with violence, you won't like it. Nothing graphic, but several really cool fight scenes. Think about your child's attention span. It's long. My 8 year old had no trouble sitting through it.

I guess it depends on your tolerance level. I was fine with it.

Yep. I remember watching "Grease" as a young kid. Loved the music. Totally did not even get the adult implications. I think that's pretty typical.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We've seen in a couple of times. I think it's fine for a seven year old. Think PG or maybe PG-13. Several references to prostitution. My son saw it for the first time when he was 8 and the sexual references went right over his head. There are a couple of swear words sprinkled throughout the dialogue, but again nothing major.

If you have issues with violence, you won't like it. Nothing graphic, but several really cool fight scenes. Think about your child's attention span. It's long. My 8 year old had no trouble sitting through it.

I guess it depends on your tolerance level. I was fine with it.

Yep. I remember watching "Grease" as a young kid. Loved the music. Totally did not even get the adult implications. I think that's pretty typical.

I don't think Grease is at all comparable. There are many sexual references, but it's lighthearted. The worst thing that happens is a pregnancy scare and some teenage heartbreak. There are not people walking through gutters trying to find money in dead people's wallets, FFS.

[Anonymous]

Another huge no vote here... and I have taken my young children to many musicals (by age 5, my son had seen Wicked, Joseph, Cats, Peter Pan, Grease and Annie).

I've thought about Les Mis, because we've listened to some of the songs in the car, and my son is fascinated by the French Revolution angle (good guys v. bad guys). But here is why I think Les Mis is a really poor choice:

Primarily, the story line is too mature and too complicated. I saw it when I was 15 and I was bored to tears during the first Act (and I love musicals). The entire (long) first Act is all to set up the second act. It spans several decades in time (hard for young children to understand/follow), and involves some pretty mature themes: prostitution, consumption, giving children to strangers to care for, Jean val Jean going from criminal to mayor to runaway... It would be very difficult for a young person to follow. I think she'll either be frustrated and bored, or else she'll be interrupting you (and everyone else) every 2 minutes trying to have you explain what is happening.

And, while it is not "graphic" per se - the themes are just very complicated and adult. I just think it would be a miserable experience for a 7 year old. By comparison, I think Grease is a much easier story line to follow, and there is dancing/jazzy songs that may be more accessible to a young person. If you want something more high-brow -- Peter Pan is a GREAT first musical. My kids (both boys) LOVED it.

[Anonymous]

By the way, I understand the opening movie may be an "R" rating. Not sure, but check before going. It's either that or Anna Karenina. One of them is an "R".

[Anonymous]

See for yourself OP. I love Les Mis. It's the first musical I ever saw, and it's still my favorite. But I wouldn't take a 7 y/o to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:All Broadway shows are okay for my 7 yr old triplets. We do not restrict art.

I'm sorry, but that's just dumb. In order to fully appreciate art, you have to be able to understand it. There is nothing good about shoving it down their throats if they are not ready for it.

[Anonymous]

OP here. thank you for all your answers. glad I did not buy the ticket for the 4 yo. MY DDs love musicals, and even though I remember the novel (which I read in 5 or 6th grade BTW) I was hoping that the musical was made with a lighter touch. I am not concerned by references to prostitution, but tragedy rendered in an emotional way and violence, especially against children are a no go. sounds like my DH will have to endure it with me

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't think they would be scared by it, but I don't think there is much a 7 year old would understand or enjoy about it.

This. Plus a trillion.

There are also multiple story lines too - I frankly think a 7 year old would find it hard to follow.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. thank you for all your answers. glad I did not buy the ticket for the 4 yo. MY DDs love musicals, and even though I remember the novel (which I read in 5 or 6th grade BTW) I was hoping that the musical was made with a lighter touch. I am not concerned by references to prostitution, but tragedy rendered in an emotional way and violence, especially against children are a no go. sounds like my DH will have to endure it with me

I actually think your DH might enjoy it.

[Anonymous]

that video above isn't accurate. That is the concert edition, not the actual play.

I think it's too long for a 7 year old. I saw it in high school and was squirmy by the end.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. thank you for all your answers. glad I did not buy the ticket for the 4 yo. MY DDs love musicals, and even though I remember the novel (which I read in 5 or 6th grade BTW) I was hoping that the musical was made with a lighter touch. I am not concerned by references to prostitution, but tragedy rendered in an emotional way and violence, especially against children are a no go. sounds like my DH will have to endure it with me

I actually think your DH might enjoy it.

+1. My DH loves it. I'm the one who is less than enthusiastic about it.