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Don't know but my two saw the 2014 film when it came out and have loved it ever since. They would have been about 9 and 13 back then. They have never been upset (or seemingly ever noticed) films with adoption themes. They also loved Despicable Me and Matilda, for example. I think they realise they have no connection to their own stories.

This was my daughter’s favourite film when she came to me at 6. She loved it. I’m not sure she got the adoption storyline at the time but she loved the sentiment and the music. She also loves Mathilda, Kung Fu Panda etc. Could you try showing him the DVD or some YouTube clips before going to see the show?

I too think the adoption theme will go right over his head - it’s such a lively fun film (show) and Annie is such a positive character - a survivor. If he does notice it gives you a chance to talk about fiction and about different adoption stories / experiences I think he’ll just be overawed by seeing your friend on stage anyway and by the whole experience - they can talk about it afterwards - what it’s like to be on stage I would take him

AD loves Annie, the adoption bit never seemed to register with her. As others have said it might be worth watching the movie at home or bits from utube to see how he reacts. My worry with AD would actually be would she sit through the production with out getting bored and then becoming disruptive.

There is a very mean foster carer. That can be a trigger for some kids I think.

If it was me I would go on my own to enjoy it then take my son to a separate show. AS1 did pick up on the adoption theme in 'Tangled' and said he didn't like it. But it is good for them to encounter the theme so they can process it. BdF

When I asked him later ( having not thought about it at the time) my seven year old said that " the girl was in a children's home, not foster care, and it was many years ago, so it was different from him, he was more fortunate being in foster care, and anyway it has a happy ending "He enjoyed the music particularly. I think the fact she is cheerful and refuses to despair despite her circumstances is a really good message to give our kids. My older adoptee commented about how many adopted kids that he knows, who think they have had a hard life in the early years so they think the world owes them everything. Annie shows another approach to life, as do the adoptees in Despicable Me etc. We took ours to loads of kids films and they have turned out very balanced.

Hi thanks for everyone's input As it's been so hot we've had lots of TV/DVD over the last few days rather than being outside It's almost as if all films have an adoption theme ! We've decided to take him (I also asked him if he wanted to go) we are at the end of the row so can nip out. Thanks again

N.b. in the remake of the film it's a foster carer. She is a nasty drunk. If they stick to the original Annie it will be in a children's home but you know how sometimes things are changed ...

My two love the new film and don’t seem to associate with the theme or characters except for Annie with whom they identify and are happy when she is adopted at the end. They don’t like the original film because I sing along to all the songs in what I believe is perfect pitch but they for some reason cover their ears and run out of the room.

Interesting...my 9 year old loves Annie the most recent film/musical and totally gets the foster care theme..loves the mean foster carer and played the song over and over..its a positive thing for her as she feels ownerdership over the theme and can laugh and discuss with me. In STARK contrast ...my 8 year old son who refuses to watch it and will only refer to adoption if I say the 'A' word...he has much further to go on his journey... and responds better to more oblique stories which deal with the themes more subtly. He prefers a book, a blanket and a bottle of milk and a biscuit! Overall I think films like Annie or indeed most Disney films that deal with loss or adoption are all routes into starting a conversation with our children about their painful, private, and filled with anxiety feeling....Its got to be better than bottling them up...