As a lover of live theater, we are so thankful that Broadway and shows all around the country are back! And the Tootsie was an excellent choice for our return as theater goers, thanks to a partnership with The National Theatre in Washington, DC. But is Tootsie ok for kids? This parent theater review will help you decide if this show is kid-friendly for your family.
Broadway is back on tour!
Tootsie is playing at the National Theatre in DC for a limited run.
And this show is absolutely hilarious and well produced.
From the stunning costumes to the beautiful voices, Tootsie does not hit any false notes.
We particularly enjoyed watching Payton Reilly as Sandy and Jared David Michael Grant as Jeff effortlessly bring in the laughs with their almost over-the-top portrayals of Michael’s BFFs.
But is Tootsie ok for kids to watch? Here’s what parents need to know before taking their teens to the show.
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Tootsie At The National Theatre In Washington DC
We all need a little levity these days and Tootsie is a perfect addition to your holidays this year.
Tootsie is running from December 8 through Sunday, December 12, 2021. The National Theatre is located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in downtown Washington, D.C.
Tickets for the Tootsie are on sale. Be sure to grab yours today at TheNationalDC.com.
Covid Precautions At The National Theatre
VACCINATION AND MASKING POLICIES
All ticketholders will be required to provide ONE of the following:
- Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19; OR
- A negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance; OR
- A negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start.
Test results must clearly show the date and time of the test. Home tests are not accepted.
Masks are required for all ticketholders, regardless of vaccination status and/or age. Masks must be worn at all times, except when eating or drinking in designated areas.
About Tootsie
Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone). Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter). Call it TOOTSIE!
This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.
Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines, it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg). “In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll,” raves Rolling Stone. “TOOTSIE is it!”
TOOTSIE is a theatrical event with parental guidance suggested due to mature language. The show runs approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes including one 15-minute intermission.
You can watch the trailer for Tootsie here.
Is Tootsie Ok For Kids? Parent Review
Having a teen who absolutely loves theater means we like to know a little about the shows before we go.
This parent review will help you decide how kid-friendly Tootsie is for your family.
What You Need To Know If You Take Kids To See Tootsie
Tootsie is a comedy and one that relies heavily on the sight gag of a man portraying a woman in order to get a job.
While this has some concerns in its own right, the theatrical performance addresses them adequately for a Generation Z audience.
One of the best lines of the night is delivered by Michael’s agent who reminds us that you should live your best life openly in whatever way you need to: and what Michael is doing, isn’t it.
Language in Tootsie: Parent Review
Tootsie is suggested to be seen with parental guidance due to language.
If language is a concern for your family, please note: there is an entire song in the 2nd act focused around the F-bomb.
It’s perfectly delivered and, honestly, there probably isn’t another word you could substitute to get the same message across: but it’s an entire song.
Outside of that, you’ll also hear plenty of mid-level swears across the show including G-d d@mmit, h@ll, sh!t, and @ss.
Is Tootsie Ok For Kids? Sex In Tootsie
This is a mature show about single actors and creatives living in New York.
The subject of sex is bound to come up-and it does. Naturally!
There are no physical acts on stage other than embracing and kisses, but it’s clear that sex happens through language and acts that take place offstage.
While not super racy, this show has some romantic interests as major themes that parents should know about.
Sexual innuendo is dripping throughout the play and phrases alluding to being hung, riding you, etc. are used.
What Ages Could Watch Tootsie?
We’d recommend this show for a mature 14 and up audience.
Kids in high school won’t be shocked by the language or the sexual innuendo, most likely.
But they will enjoy the laughs and the message that Tootsie sends.
This show is also 2 hours and 35 minutes long, with a 15-minute intermission. But it doesn’t feel long as the laughs, music, and talent keep you glued to the stage and not looking at your watch.
More Theater Parent Reviews
Is Bandstand Safe For Kids To Watch?
Is Fiddler On the Roof Kid-Friendly?
Can Kids Watch Jersey Boys On Stage?
Patty Holliday is the owner and creator of all things No-Guilt Universe. As a lifelong fangirl and pop culture connoisseur, she’s been creating online since 2009. You can find her work at No-Guilt Disney.com, No-Guilt Fangirl.com, No-Guilt Life, and as host of the top-rated No-Guilt Disney Podcast.