Taking two year old to a Sondheim musical

[theotherfossilsister]

It's based on fairy tales, which he has so e understanding of and liking for. It's also fringe, but folks are paying £16 for tickets. Was thinking of going and then one of us can take him out of he decides to climb on stage or shout at the wolf or whatever. It could be magical? Or not?

When you do eventually take him be mindful of what he is wearing, theatre seat material and bare skin can be very itchy as we found out during Wicked when my DD just would not stop fidgeting in her seat despite having been to many shows and sat perfectly still. Turned out she was wearing a skirt instead of trousers / skirt and tights as she had on previous occasions and was really uncomfortable.

You mention the tag line is 'children will listen', this is a line in one of the songs not a description of the actual experience.

There are 12 pages of the Fringe brochure devoted to children's shows. Roughly 10 shows per page so easily over 100 shows aimed at children. Each has an age guide. There will be incredible, world class children's theatre. Plenty of opportunities to make memories. What about Baby Rock? Grow? Goose? Ice Dragon?

Just to add another voice that it’s great to take him to see something, but not Into The Woods. He’s too young, it’s not appropriate and it’s much too long for him. Do go to see it yourself, though. There’s a film version on Disney+ and it’s a PG rating.

Take him to something that’s about 40 mins long.

It is very dark, twisted versions of fairytales woven together as reimagined by Sondheim.

the music is fantastic but not for a 2 year old. He was a wonderful composer and Into the woods is one of my favourite musicals but definitely not for a toddler.

my kids were 7 and 10 when they were able to watch the Into the woods film and enjoy it.

Into the Woods is most definitely not suitable for children. The music is ok (if you like Sondheim) but the plots are the cruel original Grimm etc. tales

Do not do this

It's long and boring.

Yup, all of this.

Glad to see you are re-thinking.

I'm disappointed in the posters suggesting that because the tickets are "cheap" it's ok to risk spoiling others enjoyment of the show. This can be the only way some people get to access the theatre - just because you can't afford West end prices doesn't mean the experience should be deemed less valuable by others. If you're shelling out for a family of 4 that's 64 quid - relatively "cheap" maybe, but not peanuts

Well said!

2 is far too young. Even for something like frozen the advisory is 6+ and when I went with my eldest (leaving my youngest at home) we had a toddler behind us that was an absolute pain in the arse and we got moved at the interval after complaining. it’s not fair on the rest of the audience and won’t be enjoyable for your child.

There are some wonderful productions aimed at the under 5s though. My children have loved the Julia Donaldson shows and there are others like tiger who came to tea, peppa pig etc. They are normally much shorter, allow for some child interaction (whether dancing or singing along) and are much more engaging and age appropriate. It’s a much better way to introduce the theatre.

You are bonkers. You aren't even allowed to take a 2 year old to school assemblies here.