Is Wicked Suitable for a 13-Year-Old?

Feb, 16 2025

When you're thinking about taking your 13-year-old to see Wicked, there's a lot to consider. This musical has been around for a while, dazzling audiences with its twist on a classic tale. But as a parent, what's in it for you and your teen?

At its heart, Wicked is about unlikely friendships and big adventures. It turns the story of The Wizard of Oz upside down, showing things from a different angle. But because it's more complex than your average fairy tale, you might be wondering about its themes and content.

The show's got its fair share of themes like acceptance, understanding, and breaking stereotypes. It digs into friendship's importance and the pressures of fitting in. These can be perfect conversation starters with your teen.

In the next sections, we'll cover what parts of Wicked might resonate with your young one, what's exciting about the show, and a few things to keep in mind before booking those tickets. Stick around if you want to find out if your tween is ready to enjoy the magic of Wicked.

• Understanding Wicked's Plot
• Themes Parents Should Know
• Audience Reactions
• What Makes it Family-Friendly
• Stuff to Consider
• Making the Decision

Understanding Wicked's Plot

So, what's the deal with Wicked's story? It's a fresh take on the beloved Wizard of Oz tale, flipping the script to focus on the witches of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. But it's not just about spell-casting and broomsticks.

The story mostly revolves around two key characters, Elphaba and Glinda. These two couldn't be more different but end up forming an unexpected friendship. While Elphaba is misunderstood thanks to her green skin, Glinda is the picture of popularity. And this is where things get interesting.

As they navigate their way through Shiz University, themes of acceptance, identity, and standing up for what's right pop up. It's more than just their adventures; it's about challenging what we perceive as normal or 'good.' While Elphaba aims to fight injustice, Glinda's journey uncovers how appearances aren't everything.

• Wicked musical twists a familiar story into something new.
• Elphaba and Glinda's evolving friendship is at its core.
• Complex themes make it relatable for teens.

Throughout the musical, you'll see familiar elements—flying monkeys, the Wizard himself, and some jaw-dropping magical moments that'll keep any young audience member entertained. It's a blend of humor, drama, and music that brings the land of Oz to life in ways you'd never expect.

Themes Parents Should Know

When thinking about whether Wicked is a match for your 13-year-old, it's good to dig into its themes. This isn't just a show about a misunderstood witch; it dives deeper into stuff that's surprisingly relevant for teens today.

Friendship and Acceptance

At its core, Wicked focuses on friendship, especially unlikely ones. Elphaba and Glinda have a complex relationship that evolves despite their differences. It’s a solid way to talk to your tween about valuing people's differences and the importance of genuine connections.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Wicked explores themes of identity and the struggle of self-discovery. Elphaba is constantly battling stereotypes and assumptions based on her looks. This can be a good jumping-off point to discuss peer pressure and self-acceptance with your young teen.

Good vs. Evil

The classic struggle of good versus evil is turned on its head. Wicked shows that stories aren't always black and white, and characters can be more than they seem. It's a great way to show that everyone has layers, and not everything is as simple as it looks.

Social Pressures

Social status and the pressure to fit in are critical ideas in Wicked. Characters face challenges based on how society views them, providing you and your teen an avenue to chat about popularity, self-worth, and staying true to oneself.

Themes like these ensure that Wicked isn't just entertaining. It's rich with experiences that resonate with a young audience, making it more than just another theatre show.

Audience Reactions

When it comes to Wicked, people of all ages seem to be drawn in by its magic. Parents and teens alike often leave the theatre buzzing about the spectacular sets and unforgettable songs. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers is the song "Defying Gravity," which tends to stick with you long after the curtain falls.

Many parents have mentioned how their teens connected with the show's themes of friendship and staying true to oneself. This connection often leads to interesting discussions after the show, making it not just entertainment but an experience that resonates.

According to surveys, about 90% of parents who took their teenagers felt that Wicked was appropriate and enriching. They appreciated the clever storytelling and the way it inspired young viewers to look beyond first impressions.

However, some reactions do note that the occasional intense scenes could be a bit overwhelming for the more sensitive viewers. So, it's a good idea to gauge your child's tolerance for mild peril.

Overall, Wicked has been praised for its ability to charm and engage a younger audience without talking down to them. Its engaging plot and relatable characters often leave young viewers wanting to see it again. These collective responses have helped solidify its reputation as a top choice in family entertainment.

What Makes it Family-Friendly

Wicked is not just another musical; it's a vibrant spectacle filled with catchy tunes and colorful characters that can easily captivate a young audience. Here's why it's often seen as a solid choice for family entertainment:

Engaging Storyline

The story of Wicked offers a fresh take on the land of Oz, but it’s more than just reimagining a classic. It dives into meaningful themes like friendship and self-identity, which resonate well with teenagers. It’s relatable, making it great for discussions after the show with your kids.

Visuals and Music

The production value in Wicked is top-notch. The costumes and set design are eye-catching without being overwhelming. The music, penned by Stephen Schwartz, is both memorable and easy to hum along to, making the experience enjoyable for both teens and adults.

Humor and Emotional Depth

The Wicked musical blends humor with emotional moments, giving young viewers just the right mix of fun and depth. While some scenes can be intense, they’re balanced with lots of laughter and excitement, keeping it suitable for a younger audience.

A Protagonist to Root For

The characters in Wicked, especially Elphaba and Glinda, are relatable for teenagers. They deal with real-life issues in a fantasy setting—being true to oneself, making difficult choices, and accepting others. These are valuable lessons for a 13-year-old.

Interactive Experience

The foot-tapping numbers like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” often prompt audience participation, which can make the experience more immersive for tech-savvy teens who are used to interactive content.

If you're planning a theater visit, check to see if there’s a Wicked musical workshop or backstage tour available; many cities offer these, and they can add an educational twist to the outing.

Stuff to Consider

When thinking about whether Wicked is a good fit for your 13-year-old, there are a few things to mull over. It's a fun and engaging show, but it does touch on some deeper themes that might need a bit of parental guidance.

Age-appropriate Themes

First off, while Wicked is a musical, it delves into issues like political power and prejudice. These themes aren't too heavy for a 13-year-old, but they might raise questions. Instead of shying away from these topics, they can open up dialogues between you and your teen, giving them a chance to think critically.

Audience Reaction

Kids and adults alike talk about how the music and visuals are captivating. However, reactions differ when it comes to some scenes that include mild violence or intense emotion. It’s nothing that most teens can’t handle, but it’s something you might want to prepare for.

Length of the Show

The runtime is roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission. If your kid hasn't had experience sitting through a long musical, it might be worth considering their attention span. A preview of some Wicked musical songs can help them get into the groove before showtime.

Seat Selection

One of the joys of seeing Wicked in a theatre is the spectacular set design. You might want to pick seats that offer a good view without overwhelming your youngster from being too close to the action. Middle of the theatre gives a clear view without being too loud or too far.

Consider the Cost

Let’s be real, theatre tickets can be pricey. While it's a fantastic experience, it's good to weigh it against other potential family activities. Sometimes family packages offer comfy seating at a more budget-friendly rate.

At the end of the day, going to see Wicked as a family can be a memory-making adventure. Whether it's your teen's first musical or just the latest in many, considering these factors can make it a smooth, enjoyable outing for everyone.

Making the Decision

Deciding whether Wicked is the right musical for your 13-year-old can feel overwhelming, but let's break it down into manageable bits. You'll want to consider your child's maturity level, comfort with certain themes, and, of course, their interests.

Assess the Themes

Wicked touches on complex themes like identity, prejudice, and moral ambiguity. If your child is already reading books or watching movies with similar subjects, they might just be ready for this musical. As a family, you could use these themes as a starting point for important conversations.

Check the Content

While the show is generally seen as family-friendly, some scenes might be intense for younger viewers. The occasional dark moments are balanced with humor and uplifting songs. If your kid gets easily scared by dramatic music or fog machines, just be ready to offer some reassurance.

Seek Advice

There's a good chance you've got some friends or family who've seen the show. Why not ask them what they think? Many parents have found it to be a positive experience for their tweens. Here's a quote from BroadwayHype, a well-known theatre guide:

"Wicked is more than just great music and a stunning set; it’s a door to powerful discussion topics for young teens and parents alike."

Go Over Practical Stuff

Consider logistics like the length of the show—around 2 hours and 45 minutes, including the intermission. Can your kid sit comfortably for that long without getting restless?

Consider Your Budget

Ticket prices can vary, so it’s worth checking the best options. Sometimes, a weekend afternoon performance might be cheaper and less crowded, which can be great if it's a first theatre experience.

Ultimately, the question of whether Wicked is suitable for your 13-year-old boils down to what you know about your child. If they're ready for a mix of adventure, friendship, and meaningful themes, then it could be a fantastic experience. So, are you ready to grab those tickets?