Broadway with Kids
BROADWAY WITH KIDS
With Broadway roaring back to life, and shows re-opening every week, now is the perfect time to introduce children to the magic of NYC live theatre. There are tons of great kid-friendly shows on the boards for all ages, and interests. Raised in NYC and a lifelong Broadway Baby, I’m sharing below all the info you need to take your kids to Broadway shows in 2021 and the necessary protocols and procedures to make the experience a most enjoyable one!
One of my most favorite things about growing up in New York City, and there are many, was easy access to Broadway shows. I vividly remember seeing my first show, CATS, when I was 5-years-old. I was floored by the whole production - the dancing, the spectacle. At that moment, at the Winter Garden Theater, a lifelong “Broadway Baby” was born.
Up until I graduated from college, I was convinced I was going to be a performer. In fact, I went to a theater conservatory for college where I spent much more time “freeing my natural voice,” and performing in modern dramas, than I did in a typical classroom.
Upon graduation, my interests shifted a bit and instead of being a performer, I decided I wanted to be a producer. I wanted to be in charge of the overall production of a show, from idea to opening night. For many years that dream came true. I produced edgy plays I loved in small theaters for tiny audiences, concerts by up-and-coming musical theatre writers I believed in for adoring crowds, and yes, even a few Broadway musicals! My professional career in the theater came to an end (for now) when Hermione was born, but the theater will always have my heart.
While I still have many close friends “in the business,” at the moment, my role is as an adoring fan in the audience, who sees everything I possibly can.
As a mother, one of my greatest joys has been introducing my girls to the magic of live theatre.
Hermione saw her first Broadway show (The Lion King) when she was just 3-years-old and like her mama before her, was immediately hooked. Now at 8 and a half, she is my favorite theater date. We see almost everything together. My other daughter, Portia, just saw her first show (Wicked) this past weekend; the delay was mainly due to the pandemic and subsequent Broadway shutdown. She too was totally awestruck.
When Do You Know Your Child’s Ready to Go to the Theatre?
When deciding what show to take your child to, you’ll want to consider their age, attention span and unique interests. Each child is different and individual. At 3-years-old, Hermione was able to sit through a full-length show with no problem. While Portia took a bit longer to be ready.
Pay attention to signs that your child might be ready to sit through a Broadway show. Can they watch an entire movie without getting the wiggles? Can they follow direction and understand that they will have to be a good audience member and be quiet and still the whole time?
If you think your child is ready and things don’t go as planned don’t worry. I have seen many a parent hustle a wiggly, or chatty child out of a theater. Don’t be too hard on yourself and just try again another time!
Family-Friendly Shows
Here are a few of my top suggestions for shows currently running or re-opening soon that appeal to kids and parents too.
This is a great first musical for any child as they will likely be familiar with the story and music. The stagecraft and spectacle of this show cannot be beat, it is true theatre magic!
Similar to The Lion King, your child is probably very familiar with this story. I recommend this one for younger children or first time theater goers as well.
Once you have done the big Disney musicals Wicked is a great place to go next. The true story of the Wicked Witch of the West and all that happened in Oz before Dorothy this show has incredible music, costumes and sets. I worked in casting on this show when I was in college, have seen it many, many times and STILL enjoy it!
Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced, Beheaded. Survived. This poprock musical about the six wives of Henry VIII will appeal to your tween, or almost tween, who has likely already heard the music on TikTok. Hermione cannot wait to see this one!
I personally cannot wait to take Hemrione to this as soon as it opens. Based on the hit movie with the late Robin Williams, this heartwarming story about love and family is certain to evoke both tears and laughter. Rob McClure who plays Danilel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire is a true star and one of my favorite Broadway performers right now.
Fresh off a win of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this one is definitely for older kids (think 7 or 8 and above). The pop music mashups are incredible, the dancing out of this world and the spectacle is well… spectacular. I highly recommend it.
Your child has probably seen the filmed production with the original Broadway cast on Disney +. They probably know every song by heart. This was the case for Hermione and when I finally took her to see it live on Broadway. Watching her watch the show was almost better than the show itself. A truly special night at the theater.
Broadway 2021 Logistics and Protocol
Due to the pandemic Broadway has set some new health and safety rules in order to keep its audiences, cast members, and theater staff safe. All of the details, which are the same for every Broadway theater, can be found here.
Some important things to keep in mind before booking your ticket:
All audience members over the age of 12 must show valid ID and proof of vaccination before entering the theater.
Anyone under 12 must show a negative Covid test before entering the theater. This can either be a rapid antigen test taken NO MORE THAN 6 HOURS before the start of the show (ex. a 2pm or later test for an 8pm curtain). PRO TIP: If I am going the rapid test route, I will get them tested first thing in the morning for a weekend matinee, or right after school for a weeknight performance.
You can also do a PCR test taken NO MORE THAN 72 HOURS before the start of the show (ex. A test after 8pm Tuesday night for an 8pm Friday curtain). I have been choosing this option more because I like knowing I have the test results in hand well before the show. For this option I will get them tested right after school for a show two days later.
I like to use the NYC Covid Safe app when I go to Broadway with one of my kids as I can store my ID, proof of vaccination, and their negative test results all in one place!
