Cinderella the musical is generally considered appropriate for kids, but there are a few things parents may want to be aware of when deciding if it’s the right show for their family.
Brief Plot Summary
The classic fairy tale story of Cinderella follows a young woman named Ella who is mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella attends the royal ball and falls in love with the handsome Prince Charming. However, she must leave the ball by midnight before the magic spell wears off. The prince searches the kingdom to find the mysterious girl who lost her glass slipper at the ball, and when the slipper fits Cinderella, the two are reunited and marry.
Kid Friendly Aspects
There are many reasons why Cinderella the musical is considered appropriate for children:
- The story teaches positive lessons – Cinderella shows resilience and kindness despite her difficult circumstances. Her goodness is rewarded in the end.
- Magic and fantasy elements – Kids enjoy the fairy tale magic like Cinderella’s fairy godmother and the pumpkin turning into a carriage.
- Romance and ball gowns – Little girls often love the beautiful costumes and the handsome prince.
- Triumph over adversity – The classic underdog story of good winning over evil resonates with young audiences.
- Musical numbers – The Rodgers & Hammerstein score features several catchy, upbeat songs.
- Happily ever after ending – A fairy tale ending with Cinderella finding love is satisfying for children.
Overall, there is very little inappropriate content in this stage adaptation of the classic fairy tale. The storyline and characters make it very suitable for kids.
Aspects for Parents to Be Aware Of
While generally kid-friendly, there are a few things parents might want to know about Cinderella the musical before attending with children:
- Mild scary moments – The stepsisters can be mean, and the wicked stepmother is an exaggerated villain.
- Mild suggestive humor – Slight innuendo in a couple lines/scenes played for laughs.
- Long runtime – Often 2+ hours with intermission, which may test younger kids’ patience.
- Themes of death/loss/grief – Cinderella’s backstory includes her parents passing away.
- Romantic kissing – The prince and Cinderella kiss during the ball and at the end.
These aspects are mild compared to many other musicals, but they are worth being aware of, especially for very young or sensitive children. Overall though, none of these factors make Cinderella inappropriate for kids.
Age Recommendations
Here are some general recommendations for what ages can enjoy Cinderella the musical:
- Ages 5+ – Old enough to follow the full story and appreciate the basic themes. May get restless with longer runtime.
- Ages 8+ – More likely to stay engaged for the full show. Able to understand more complex emotions.
- All ages – With its fairy tale theme, music, spectacle, and happy ending, Cinderella can enchant kids young and old when they are ready for a live theater experience.
Reviews from Parents
Here are some examples of reviews from parents who have taken their kids to productions of Cinderella the musical:
“We took my 6 year old daughter and she absolutely loved it! She was entranced the entire show and said it was the best day ever.”
“Saw this with my twin 10 year olds. They had read the book so following along was easy. The songs are very catchy too! Nothing inappropriate for this age.”
“My husband and I took our 8 and 10 year old daughters. The Ticket price was well worth the experience! It had a great lesson in treating others how you want to be treated.”
“It does run pretty long with an intermission so be prepared if taking littles. My 4 year old made it til intermission but was done after that. Gorgeous music and costumes!”
Guidance from Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a leading source of age-based guidance for families choosing media content for kids. They rate Cinderella the musical as appropriate for ages 5 and up, with a 4/5 star rating. According to their review:
“Enchanting stage adaptation of classic fairy tale. Great for families.”
They highlight that it teaches positive messages about kindness and courage. The only concerns noted are some mildly scary/mean characters.
Conclusion
Cinderella the musical is an excellent theater choice for families with children as young as 5 or 6 who are ready for a live show. Its storybook tone, memorable music, singing, dancing, and happy ending provide ample entertainment for kids. There are few concerning elements besides some scary villains. With its timeless appeal and an empowering message for young girls, parents can feel good about sharing this sweet fairy tale adaptation with their kids.
While small children under 5 may grow restless and require an intermission break, the lavish costumes, songs, humor, and a chance to see magic on stage will likely charm older kids and build fond memories. For many families and classrooms studying the story, Cinderella the musical can provide a fun and touching theatrical experience for young audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cinderella appropriate for a 4 year old?
Cinderella the musical may be enjoyable for some mature 4 year olds, but the full run time may be stretching their attention span. There are enough visuals, music, and energy to entertain them, but the content may be hard to fully follow or appreciate at this age. It depends on the individual child, but 5 or 6 years old is often recommended as more ideal.
Are there any frightening parts or villains for kids?
The wicked stepmother and stepsisters can be a bit exaggerated in their meanness, which may frighten very sensitive kids. But it’s all fairly tame villainy compared to many fairy tales or Disney movies. No serious violence. These moments are balanced with lots of singing, comedy, and ball gowns!
Should boys see Cinderella the musical?
Absolutely! While its protagonist is female, the story is universally appealing. The music, humor, romance, and magic provide something for everyone. Many boys enjoy the prince and sidekicks as characters. Gender norms have luckily evolved, so Cinderella is definitely not just “for girls” in this day and age.
How can I prepare my child for the show?
Reading a simplified version of the fairy tale is a great way to get them familiar with the plot and characters ahead of time. Showing them videos and recordings of the songs can help too. Talk about proper theater etiquette and behavior before going as well. Bringing along a special treat or souvenir related to the show also builds excitement!
Is Cinderella on Broadway appropriate for kids?
The Broadway productions follow a similar family-friendly approach to the musical. There may be modest staging or costume differences, but the book, score, and overall tone remain geared for all ages. As an iconic, long-running Broadway show, the New York productions uphold their reputation for enchanting theatergoers of any generation.
Comparisons to Other Shows
Cinderella vs. Into the Woods
While both based on fairy tales, Into the Woods has much more mature themes and content. With sinister plot twists, violence, and more adult humor, it is best suited for ages 10+ rather than Cinderella’s 5+.
Cinderella vs. Matilda the Musical
Matilda deals with heavier topics like dysfunctional families and abusive authority figures that make it better suited for older elementary ages rather than Cinderella’s whimsical fairy tale world.
Cinderella vs. Aladdin
Aladdin the musical has more of an adventurous, comedy-focused tone. But both effectively bring fantasy stories to the stage for families in an upbeat, engaging way. Aladdin does have more characters and quick jokes that may appeal more to boys.
Data on Family Audience Size
Cinderella the musical tends to draw a substantial family audience, according to data from major theater markets:
| Production | Estimated % of Audience that was Families |
|---|---|
| Broadway Revival (2013-2014) | 35% |
| West End Revival (2020) | 40% |
| National Tour (2017-2019) | 45% |
This data on large percentages of attendees being parents and children demonstrates the show’s consistent appeal for family audiences over many productions.
Memorable Quotes for Kids
Here are some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from Cinderella the musical to discuss with kids:
“Impossible things are happening every day.”
– Encourages imagination and optimism
“They can’t order me to stop dreaming.”
– Highlights strength of spirit and hope
“Even miracles take a little time.”
– Teaches patience and perseverance
“It’s possible for a plain yellow pumpkin to become a golden carriage.”
– Speaks to the magic of believing in dreams
Key Songs to Preview
These signature songs from the musical are great for kids to listen to before the show:
- “A Lovely Night” – Upbeat dance number at the ball
- “Impossible” – Inspiring ballad sung by Cinderella
- “Ten Minutes Ago” – Beautiful romantic duet
- “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?” – Charming solo by the prince
- “Stepsisters’ Lament” – Hilarious comedy number
Hearing these memorable tunes ahead of time helps kids recognize and enjoy them more during the live performance.
Positive Role Models
Cinderella and Prince Charming provide positive examples for young viewers:
- Cinderella – Hardworking, kind, resilient, forgiving, courageous, optimistic
- Prince Charming – Noble, romantic, follows his heart, treats Cinderella as an equal
Seeing these admirable lead characters rewarded with a happy ending helps reinforce positive traits and behaviors for kids.
Book Companions or Sequels for Kids
After enjoying the musical, kids may want to revisit the story through these Cinderella book adaptations:
- Cinderella (Disney’s version in picture book form)
- Ella’s Big Chance: A Jazz Age Cinderella by Shirley Hughes
- The Irish Cinderlad by Shirley Climo
- Cinderella: A Fashionable Tale by Steven Guarnaccia
- Cinder Edna by Ellen Jackson
Pairing the stage show with a fun literary companion extends kids’ experience and love of this timeless fairy tale.
