Broadway can be a magical experience for not just adults, but also children. Throw the
dice in considering taking your kid(s) to a Broadway musical. With many family-friendly Broadway musicals available to spectate, your children can be just as excited with the experience as you are. This, of course, depends on their age and ability to be engaged in a theater setting, which we will get more into these tips later on.
The Lion King
Believe it or not, “The Lion King” musical is within the top 10 (number 8 to be exact) of the longest-running shows continuing to show musicals in overall Broadway history as its first show was in July 1997. “The Lion King” Broadway show brings to life the story of Simba from his life as a cub and tragically losing his father, Mufasa to evolving into an adult where he takes his rightful place as king of the Pridelands. The magical score by Elton John and Tim Rice as well as the awe-inspiring puppetry and visual effects make this a Broadway experience to remember for the whole family.
Aladdin
“Aladdin” is an oldie but a goodie Disney favorite like “The Lion King”. However, even though the original Disney’s Aladdin movie hit theaters in 1992, which was three years before The Lion King came out, “Aladdin” on Broadway did not debut until 2011 at the 5th Avenue Theatre located in Seattle.
The show has the right mix of humor from the Genie’s personality and an enchanting appeal from the visual effects of the magic carpet rides. Of course, no “Aladdin” production would be complete with the iconic song, “A Whole New World” sung by Aladdain and Jasmine. “Aladdin” has
regular showings at the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York, so check out when you can get tickets.
Wicked
The
“Wicked” musical originally debuted in June 2003 and has brought enchantment to the Broadway experience for the whole family for the past two decades. It uncovers the backstory of the witches in the Wizard of Oz that takes place before Dorothy arrives in their world, which is an astounding prequel to the famous 1939 film. Families will be captivated by the twists and turns the witches experience as themes of friendship and understanding are displayed. Upcoming shows will be at the Gershwin Theatre in New York.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” debuted on Broadway in April 2018 and is still on
Broadway at the Lyric Theatre in New York. The musical follows the new budding rivalry between Harry Potter’s son and Draco Malfoy’s son where their rivalry could possibly alter past events and what could happen in the future. This is a bit of a longer show at 3.5 hours long, which is better for older school age children, preteens, and teenagers with longer attention spans.
Tips for Enjoying Broadway Shows With Kids
It’s best to choose age-appropriate shows for your little ones. While these Broadway shows listed above are family-friendly, taking your toddler to a “Wicked” showing when they are afraid of witches and other mythical monsters may not be the best idea.
Depending on your child’s age, they may have a shorter or longer attention span. For example, a two-year-old toddler may get antsy about a half hour to an hour or so into a two-hour Broadway show whereas a child aged 6 to 7 may be able to pay attention to that same show for its entire length. However, every child is different, so consider how well your little one(s) can stay engaged during the experience.
Conclusion
Taking your children to see a Broadway musical will leave you all with magical and everlasting memories to last a lifetime. With so many child and family-friendly Broadway shows to experience, there’s a show for every family unit to enjoy.