The Unimpressed Teen

Theater kids will love it. Teens dragged by theater moms? Maybe not.

The place: Phantom of the Opera (North American Tour)

Teen Testers: Girl, 11 • Boy, 14

Teen Verdict: “Cool…but kinda boring.”

What actually impressed them

• The jaw-dropping chandelier and stage effects

• The huge, ornate Pantages Theatre felt like walking into a palace

• The dramatic organ music instantly set the mood

• Lavish costumes and big ensemble scenes kept their attention

What got an eye roll

• Almost everything is sung, making the story hard to follow

• Some lyrics were impossible to understand

• The pacing felt slow in places

Attention Span Check

Strong opening. Middle drags. Big finish.

Phone Check

Did they reach for their phones? Once or twice.

Parent Worth-It Meter

Worth it if your child already enjoys theater. Maybe wait a few years if they’re new to Broadway.