Dissapointed that Chicago is the musical on Allure

[Older Party]

It seems your then 8 year old dealt with the adult themes in "Hairspray" without any major trauma. I think she'll survive "Chicago".

I disagree. I've done both shows. Hairspray deals with racial issues but Chicago deals with murder and sex. They are totally different 'adult' themes. I am really curious as to how RCCL is going to present this show. I am sure it will be terrific but do think they may have to tone it down for the mixed audience, unless it has a disclaimer for anyone under 18, leaving it to the parent's discretion?

 

Anyway, some of the lyrics off the top of my head follow.

 

Cell Block Tango:

 

"So I took a shotgun off the wall and I fired two warning shots ... into his head."

 

"Single he told me. Single my ass!"

 

"You've been screwing the milkman, he says ... "

 

"I come back, open the door, and there's Veronica and Charlie, doing number 17, the spread eagle."

 

Then there's the double entendres in "When You're Good To Mama":

 

"Let's all stroke together, like the Princeton crew, when you're stroking Mama, Mama's stroking you" and "Spice it up for Mama, she'll get hot for you" and "You put in for Mama, she'll put out for you".

 

My personal POV is I hope they leave the show intact and let the parents decide.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

I personally would of liked to see MAMMA MIA on Allure....but they are putting that on Liberty instead.

 

Mamma Mia on Liberty? When? Is it too much to hope that it will be ready by Sept 26 of this year?

[bajathree]

Mamma Mia on Liberty? When? Is it too much to hope that it will be ready by Sept 26 of this year?

 

Wouldn't be till Liberty comes out of dry-dock...sometime after Jan 2011.

[AF-1]

I would like to know how we can get Blue Man Group on Allure. If NCL Epic can get them, then Royal should be able to; we're a bigger company.:)

[yellowsnow]

I am sure it will be terrific but do think they may have to tone it down for the mixed audience, unless it has a disclaimer for anyone under 18, leaving it to the parent's discretion?

 

Please... even the film was rated PG-13 and the film was much more graphic than the play. In reality you don't see any nudity and not much more implied violence than most cartoons these days. There are definitely adult themes but a lot of them are disguised enough. Then again I am not a parent so maybe I would change my mind about this after having kids of my own :) I know I wouldn't have been traumatized by seeing this show at any age I can recall, maybe a kid before 8 or so could be scared about the dancing being a little dark at times but nothing really related to sex and violence.

[The-Dude]

Went on the Oasis last year and my daughter, then 8,really loved Hairspray. She saw it a second time she liked it so much. I know that there are other activities that cater to this age group but my daughter has an appreciation for the arts and live theater. I was really looking forward to seeing the show that would be on Allure. I am certainly not excited about seeing Chicago. That show is certainly not suitable for a nine year old. If we do go to see it, there will much explaining to do about some of the scenes. Really wish something more appropriate for everyone was chosen!!!! Really disappointed about RCI's choice being Chicago!!! :(

 

I am happy to see Chicago being played on the Allure of the Seas. It's a quality production and worth seeing live. In fact, everyday there's an abundance of sexual images and themes being shown on TV that's a lot worse.

 

You always have a choice to see it or not. And a single Broadway production shouldn't be the basis of your family vacation. Afterall, the Allure of the Seas will have plenty of entertainment choices for a wide variety of age groups.

 

If you want a G-rated cruise, sail with Disney.

[hubofhockey]

I am happy to see Chicago being played on the Allure of the Seas. It's a quality production and worth seeing live. In fact, everyday there's an abundance of sexual images and themes being shown on TV that's a lot worse.

 

You always have a choice to see it or not. And a single Broadway production shouldn't be the basis of your family vacation. Afterall, the Allure of the Seas will have plenty of entertainment choices for a wide variety of age groups.

 

If you want a G-rated cruise, sail with Disney.

 

To me, Chicago is a huge selling point for the Allure. There has to be some shows that are adult oriented and Chicago is a great one. If a ship or a cruiseline only has entertainment that 9-year olds could enjoy, I probably would look somewhere else.

[way to go]

WOW Timh111 - really ruffled your feathers here??

 

Did you know that on OASIS of the SEAS - $ rates for passengers 3 & 4 (typically kids) are higher than $ rates for passengers 1 & 2 (typically parents of passengers 3 & 4). With that being said I would think that RCI (revenue wise) would be just as interested in making passengers 3 & 4 happy - not to mention if you make passengers 3 & 4 happy than passengers 1 & 2 will most likely continue to bring passengers 3 & 4 along at inflated rates!!!!!!!

[perkyblue]

I can see what you mean about it not being appropriate for a 9-year-old, but with so many aspects of this ship dedicated to kids, I for one am thrilled to see an adult-themed show. There will still be plenty of other shows for your daughter to enjoy. I saw the movie Chicago and have been wanting to see it live ever since. I am so glad they chose Chicago! Not every aspect of the ship's entertainment needs to be child-friendly.

[perkyblue]

I disagree. I've done both shows. Hairspray deals with racial issues but Chicago deals with murder and sex. They are totally different 'adult' themes. I am really curious as to how RCCL is going to present this show. I am sure it will be terrific but do think they may have to tone it down for the mixed audience, unless it has a disclaimer for anyone under 18, leaving it to the parent's discretion?

 

Anyway, some of the lyrics off the top of my head follow.

 

Cell Block Tango:

 

"So I took a shotgun off the wall and I fired two warning shots ... into his head."

 

"Single he told me. Single my ass!"

 

"You've been screwing the milkman, he says ... "

 

"I come back, open the door, and there's Veronica and Charlie, doing number 17, the spread eagle."

 

Then there's the double entendres in "When You're Good To Mama":

 

"Let's all stroke together, like the Princeton crew, when you're stroking Mama, Mama's stroking you" and "Spice it up for Mama, she'll get hot for you" and "You put in for Mama, she'll put out for you".

 

My personal POV is I hope they leave the show intact and let the parents decide.

 

Yes, but how much of this is a 9-year-old going to pick up on? Other than the obvious murder theme (and yes some sexuality) most of these exact lyrics (and especially double entendres) would be way over the head of a 9-year-old.

 

ITA with you that I hope they don't censor the show at all and leave it up to the parents' discretion.

[perkyblue]

WOW Timh111 - really ruffled your feathers here??

 

Did you know that on OASIS of the SEAS - $ rates for passengers 3 & 4 (typically kids) are higher than $ rates for passengers 1 & 2 (typically parents of passengers 3 & 4). With that being said I would think that RCI (revenue wise) would be just as interested in making passengers 3 & 4 happy - not to mention if you make passengers 3 & 4 happy than passengers 1 & 2 will most likely continue to bring passengers 3 & 4 along at inflated rates!!!!!!!

 

What are you talking about? Not trying to start an argument, I just really don't understand what you're saying. The 3rd & 4th pax rates are always lower than the 1st & 2nd.

[drarill]

I personally would of liked to see MAMMA MIA on Allure....but they are putting that on Liberty instead.

We loved Mamma Mia, saw the Madrid production with our children when they were 8 and 9. The spanish version had a lot of swearing and sexual comments. Have you seen the movie? Donna had sex with three guys and didn't know which one got her pregnant... Try to explain that to an eight year old. Let's be honest the only Broadway shows that are appropriate for an eight year old are Disney shows like Lion King and Mary Poppins. RCCL and the Oasis Class ships are family oriented cruises, there will be plenty for the children to do and enjoy. If your children really like the theater, like ours do, plan a trip to New York and go to different shows. I read that Ricky Martin is going to be the Che on the remaking of Evita... that will be a good one.

[Bonnie Voyager]

What are you talking about? Not trying to start an argument, I just really don't understand what you're saying. The 3rd & 4th pax rates are always lower than the 1st & 2nd.

 

Not always! I was one of those unfortunate souls who ended up paying MORE for passenger #3 on Oasis, than I paid for passenger 1 and 2 :( It happens more often than you think! For me, it was related to a price "reduction" on an existing booking, that was only extended to the primary passengers, but the 3rd and 4th passenger rate was actually INCREASED to offset the savings. I still saved a bit of money overall from my original price, but I paid considerably more for passenger #3 than I did for passenger 1 and 2. I have seen this phenomenon happen a few times on Oasis! It's a bit irritating! :p I could have saved money by removing my son (passenger #3) from my cabin and booking him in his own cabin! But he is a minor and I did not want him sailing alone, so I just sucked it up and paid! :cool: I just got off Oasis today, by the way, and it was worth every penny! :D

[perkyblue]

Oh, I see. Thanks for the explanation! At least you did still save money overall, but it's a shame they raised the 3rd pax rate on you.

[crock921]

I am really excited to see Chicago on the Allure. Hopefully it is still running in 2012. We saw it in Chicago last year with John O'Hurley as the Richard Gere character. It was amazing.

 

How long does a production normally run?

 

If that one is too riskay, I could only imagine if they were running Avenue Q!

[Grand Prix Racer]

All RCCL has to do is give parents and others a simple warning that Chicago contains adult content and humor and then they can make a choice if you want to see it. I saw it recently on Broadway and if still has the best dance numbers created by Bob Fosse ever. Remember, the story is fantasy not a biography.

[Bruin Steve]

Mamma Mia...had a lot of swearing and sexual comments. Have you seen the movie? Donna had sex with three guys and didn't know which one got her pregnant... Try to explain that to an eight year old. Let's be honest the only Broadway shows that are appropriate for an eight year old are Disney shows like Lion King and Mary Poppins.

 

Thanks...I was thinking the same thing...then found that you already wrote it...

 

Personally, I find Mamma Mia offensive...no, not for the promiscuous sex...BUT for the ABBA music!! I wouldn't subject any 9 year old of mine to having to listen to ABBA...

 

Here's another way to look at it...This is what I would do (and yes, I raised two daughters who are now 24 and 26 year old well-adjusted college grads --one with a graduate degree who is now a college administrator at a major university. My wife is a school psychologist and deals with issues surrounding young kids all the time.):

 

Take your 9 year old to see Chicago on the ship...

 

She will love the singing and dancing...a costumes and stage decoration...and staging and production values...

 

Most of the plot will go right over her head...

 

MAYBE she will get that the character did something wrong and was punished by being sent to jail...

 

She may actually comprehend a lyric or two along the way...but probably not...

 

You won't have to explain a thing to her...but, if you do, like anything else, you explain it only at HER level and within her realm of comprehension...

 

Do you realize that your kids are subjected to a constant barrage of information daily...and a lot of it is NOT G-Rated? They turn on the TV and get news bulletins with mentions of crimes of all sorts...and wars and killing...and Celebrity gossip news with sex scandals, etc.???

 

Kids tend to comprehend all this only to the level that they are at...You answer questions WHEN they start asking questions...and answer them as simply as satisfies them...

 

As to "Chicago", again, she'll only comprehend the plot to a limited extent...and YOU can explain it in a limited way...no need to go into a discourse on extramarital sex, crimes of passion, etc. "She got mad...or jealous...and did a terrible thing and got arrested and put into jail...and her lawyer is trying to help her get out"...Your kid will say okay and then just continue to enjoy the singing and dancing and excitement...

 

If she needs a better explanation than that, then it's likely she either already knows more than you think...or it's time to explain more to her anyway...

[ChipLondon]

You cant please all the people all the time, in fact at times on these pages even breathing can annoy some folks. No cruise line, hotel or any other kind of venue will ever be able to accomodate all the needs of us the demanding customer, those that expect them to should try to holiday om Mars, their home planet.

[waterbug123]

Chicago. That show is certainly not suitable for a nine year old. If we do go to see it, there will much explaining to do about some of the scenes. Really wish something more appropriate for everyone was chosen!!!! Really disappointed about RCI's choice being Chicago!!! :(

 

There are lots of things to do onboard that are appropriate for everyone...aqua theater shows, ice skating shows, Family Quest, karaoke, ice carving demonstrations....the list goes on and on.

Other things, like Chicago, the Solarium, the casino, and the adult comedy shows are just for adults. That aspect of it is really no different than any other cruiseline, except maybe Disney.

 

Instead of worrying about your daughter not being able to see one particular production show (or how you will explain certain scenes to her), focus on all the things she CAN do....the many other shows, rock wall, flow rider, mini golf, carousel, arcade, numerous swimming pools, shore excursions, etc. etc.

[jhodg56010]

About three years ago on the Serenade of the Seas one of the production shows was called "Stage to Screen" and one of the songs included was "the cell block tango" from Chicago. The refrain was, "he had it coming!" I enjoyed that show as did my grandchildren then ages 12, 15, and 18. I recall nothing objectionable in that or any RCI main theater show. I loved Hairspray and am looking forward to Chicago on Allure in 4 months. We shall see how the production staff handles the material. I am optimistic. Jim

[koterry]

TimH111....Tim you hit the nail on the head, couldn't agree with you more!....Some people are so unbelievably dense it never ceases to amaze me! Doing a back to back on Allure last week of Feb., first week of march, just may see Chicago twice!....happy sailing Tim

[negc]

Let's just dumb down everything to a third or fifth grade level so no one will be offended, though some of us may be numbed into unconsciousness by the entertainment that some would insist on foisting upon us. If explaining Chicago to a nine year old is a problem, hopefully they haven't had any of Grimm's fairy tales read to them or seen Bambi.:rolleyes: After they have lowered the entertainment level, perhaps they can work on the menu so that nothing more gourmet than mac and cheese and chicken nuggets is served in the dining room. ;)

[unberwoob]

Let's just dumb down everything to a third or fifth grade level so no one will be offended, though some of us may be numbed into unconsciousness by the entertainment that some would insist on foisting upon us. If explaining Chicago to a nine year old is a problem, hopefully they haven't had any of Grimm's fairy tales read to them or seen Bambi.:rolleyes: After they have lowered the entertainment level, perhaps they can work on the menu so that nothing more gourmet than mac and cheese and chicken nuggets is served in the dining room. ;)

 

I think I read that they removed Little Red Riding Hood from a library because it was too violent. :rolleyes: I was raised in the age of Grimm's fairy tales and the like, and I think I came out OK.

[lizmit]

I've come to realize over the years that there are people who post things on cruise critic just to stir up the pot. Sometimes it can be fun to take part in it, other times it's just annoying and I stop reading those.

~ Liz

[peteukmcr]

Well, I for one hope that Chicago is still playing on Allure in 2012, because as much as I would enjoy Hairspray, having just seen it on stage, I know I prefer Chicago.

 

If the rumours are true about Liberty, then I'm even happier. Sailing on Liberty twice next year and will thoroughly enjoy Mamma Mia, having seen it on stage, fantastic!