BWW JR: Cinderella

What a season for little girls on Broadway! First Annie, now Cinderella and you know we're all waiting with baited breath for Matilda. It's a great time to introduce your little one to the Great White Way and Cinderella is the perfect opportunity.

Anyone who's been reading my column knows that my daughter HATES princesses. I don't blame her. The Disney merchandising machine has taken over most kids' lives to the point where it's often impossible to procure a toddler spoon or potty seat that doesn't have an Arielle or Sleeping Beauty theme. Either that or Dora. And I don't want to see either one of those chicks on my kid's potty seat. No offense.

But this isn't your classic Disney Cinderella and if you or your child are expecting that, be forewarned. Douglas Carter Beane has amped up and modernized the Rodgers and Hammerstein made-for-TV classic that originally aired in 1957. This new version is pithy and political, with humor that appeals to both kids and adults.

My daughter is now nine (going on twenty-seven) and she was extremely worried about the show being too babyish. When we got to the theatre on a dedicated "mom blogger" night, my young lady was mortified to see an abundance of five and six year olds in the audience. I even caught her shrinking in her seat, trying not to be seen. Because everyone totally cares.

I assured her that this was a non-Disney, non-babyish Cinderella and luckily, mama didn't lie. We both found the humor to be sophisticated and current, and the rapid-fire costume changes and special effects to be downright cool. My daughter was blown away by the tumbling in the dance ensemble and both of us could listen to Laura Osnes sing all day. And I quote, "Mommy, we're totally getting this cast album when it comes out on iTunes."

SPOILER ALERT and warning for parents with sensitive kids: About five minutes into the show, a fairly scary and decidedly gigantic tree monster goes on the attack. He's only on stage for a few minutes before being taken down by the Prince, and the rest of the show is extremely light-hearted and non-threatening, but as a parent of a formerly over-sensitive child, I would have wanted to warn my kid in advance. When little kids sit down in that big theatre to see a very long and very loud show, there is an element of distrust. Will this show scare me? Will I be safe here? While the tree monster is pretty darn cool, I think it could be hard for some of the youngest audience members to see. I'd hate to see parents who spend a small fortune on Broadway show tickets have to leave early because their kid doesn't trust that show won't be scary. Let them know that there's a silly tree trying to scare people and he goes away very quickly and then there's nothing at all to be afraid of for the rest of the show.

GET TO THE POINT, MOM!

• -This is not the Disney version of Cinderella
• -It's not just for little girls! While I recommend this show for kids ages 5 and up, it's ideally suited for kids 7-14 and their parents.
• -For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the show's website.
• -Nobody wants Dora's face on their toilet. How is that appealing?

@BroadwayWorldJr