Kid-Friendly Broadway Shows: A Guide for Parents

Thumbnail: Students of a local school dressed as characters from Dr. Seuss books, sing in the Broadway musical "Seussical" by Staff Sgt. Luke Graziani

Have you ever excitedly planned to bring your children to watch a Broadway show, then sat there questioning, “Is this even suitable for them?” I have. Here is a guide to the best kid-friendly Broadway shows; plan your next family night out in NYC.

Key Takeaways:

• Kid-Friendly Broadway Shows: Suggestions for the right Broadway shows for children such as “The Lion King” for children 6 years old and above, “Wicked” for children 8 and above, “Aladdin” for children 6 years of age and above, and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” for children 10 years and above.

• Junior and Kids Musicals: Brief description of the abridged productions of Broadway musicals like Aladdin JR., The Lion King JR., Frozen JR., and Annie JR.

• Off-Broadway Shows alternatives: Some suggestions of family shows that can be suitable for kids include; “The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show,” suitable for children of 2 years and above, “Gazillion Bubble Show,” suitable for all ages; and “Blue Man Group,” suitable for children of 3 years and above.

• Outdoor Performances: Some of the best suggestions for casual, family-friendly outdoor theaters include Shakespeare in the Park and Bryant Park Picnic Performances.

• Preparation Tips: Information on how to prepare children for theater, including explaining the plot, the rules of the theater, and choosing the right time, preferably the matinee or early evening performance.

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What's the Deal with "Kid-Friendly" Broadway?

So, What Exactly Makes a Show "Kid-Friendly"?

When we're talking about Broadway shows that are good for kids, we're looking at a few key things:

• Content that won't make you cover your kid's eyes (or ears)

• Stories and themes that kids can actually get into

• Visuals that'll wow them, not scare them

But here's the thing - every kid is different. Your 8-year-old might be cool with some deep stuff, while your 12-year-old might still get freaked out easily. You know your kids best, so trust your gut.

Age Recommendations: Helpful or Just a Guess?

Broadway producers usually slap an age recommendation on their shows. But let's be real - it's more of a starting point than a hard rule. Think about:

• Can your kid sit still for that long?

• Are they cool with loud noises and bright lights?

• Have they been to a theater before?

These things matter just as much as that number on the ticket.

Junior Shows vs. Kids Shows: What's the Difference?

Here's a quick breakdown:

• Junior shows: These are like the "lite" version of big Broadway hits. They run about 60 minutes and are perfect for middle schoolers (think 10-14-year-olds)

• Kids shows: Even shorter at 30 minutes, these are tailored for the elementary crowd (around 5-10 years old)

Both types take those big, fancy Broadway musicals and make them more kid-friendly. They keep the cool stories and catchy tunes but dial back the complex stuff.

Why do these exist? A few reasons:

1. They're great for school plays (no more 3-hour rehearsals!)

2. Kids get to perform shows they actually know and like

3. It's a sneaky way to get kids hooked on theater early

Some theater snobs might say these versions water down the originals. But hey, if it gets kids into theater, I'm all for it.

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Popular Broadway Shows: Are They Really Kid-Friendly?

Let's break down some big-name Broadway plays and see if they're actually good for the children.

Is The Book of Mormon Kid-Friendly?

It's a funny production about Mormon missionaries in Uganda. Sounds innocent, right? Wrong. Look, I know you might be tempted, but trust me on this one—the Book of Mormon is a no-go for kids.

• Age recommendation: 17+. Yeah, it's that mature.

• The lowdown: It's packed with strong language, sexual stuff, and jokes that'll make you cringe if your kid's around.

• Parent alert: If you've got a teen who's 17 or older and can handle some seriously edgy humor, maybe. But for anyone younger? Hard pass.

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Is Wicked Kid-Friendly?

Wicked tells the story of how the Wicked Witch of the West from Oz wasn't so wicked after all.

• Age sweet spot: They say 7+, but I'd lean towards 8 or 9+.

• What to watch for: It deals with bullying and being different. Good lessons, but might need some explaining.

• Heads up: Those flying monkeys? Yeah, they might freak out the younger or more sensitive kids.

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Is MJ The Musical Kid-Friendly?

This one's all about Michael Jackson's life and music.

• Kid-friendly factor: Pretty high! Even 10-12 year olds are digging it.

• What's cool: Lots of dancing and MJ's famous tunes. No iffy content to worry about.

• Think about: Does your kid know who Michael Jackson is? If not, might want to give them a quick intro first.

Is Beetlejuice The Musical Kid-Friendly?

Based on the Tim Burton movie, this one's about ghosts trying to scare people out of a house.

• Age recommendation: Older teens and adults only.

• Why it's not for kids: Adult humor, drug references, and language that'll make you cover your kid's ears.

• Parent tip: If you're considering bringing kids, do your homework first. It's probably not what you're expecting.

Is Six The Musical Kid-Friendly?

Imagine Henry VIII's six wives as a girl group. That's Six.

• Good for: Kids around 10 and up, especially if they're into pop music.

• What's great: It's fun, empowering, and sneaks in some history lessons.

• Consider this: If your kid's into music and doesn't mind a history lesson, they'll probably love it.

Remember, every kid's different. You know your child best, so use these as guidelines, not rules. When in doubt, listen to a few songs or read a detailed review before you buy those tickets!

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Junior Musicals: Broadway's Little Siblings

Ever heard of Junior Musicals? They're like the kid-friendly versions of those big Broadway shows. Let's break it down.

What's the Deal with Junior Musicals?

Think of Junior Musicals as Broadway's mini-mes. They're shorter, simpler versions of the classics, designed for kids to perform and enjoy. Here's the scoop:

• JR. versions: About an hour long, perfect for middle schoolers

• KIDS versions: Even shorter at 30 minutes, great for elementary kids

Why do these exist? A few reasons:

1. To get children hooked on theater early (sneaky, right?)

2. Give young actors a chance to shine

3. Help kids build confidence and teamwork skills

4. Set them up for bigger shows down the road

What Shows Can You Catch as Junior Musicals?

Get ready for some familiar names:

• Aladdin JR.

• The Lion King JR.

• Frozen JR. (Let it go, let it gooo!)

• Annie JR.

• Seussical JR.

• Shrek The Musical JR.

• Beauty and The Beast JR.

• Matilda JR.

These aren't just randomly picked. They're carefully chosen to be fun for kids to perform and watch.

Why Junior Musicals Are Awesome

For the kids on stage:

• Boost their confidence (no more stage fright!)

• Learn to work as a team

• Get creative and use their imagination

• Improve their memory (all those lines to learn!)

• Express themselves in a safe space

• Pick up some cool acting, singing, and dancing skills

For the kids in the audience:

• See live theater that's just their speed

• Start appreciating the arts (goodbye, video games!)

• Fire up their imagination

• Learn some life lessons through stories

• See characters they can relate to

How Are Junior and Kids Shows Different from Big Broadway Shows?

1. Way shorter: 30-60 minutes vs. 2-3 hours (no more squirmy kids!)

2. Easier music: Songs that kids can actually sing without straining

3. Kid-friendly content: No mature stuff, simpler storylines

4. Simpler sets and costumes: Easy for schools to put together

5. Flexible casting: More kids can join in the fun

6. Cheaper to perform: Schools won't break the bank accessing these

7. Comes with teaching tools: Helps directors and teachers guide the kids

Broadway Too Fancy? Try These Kid-Friendly Alternatives

Let's face it, Broadway isn't always the best fit for kids. But don't worry, I've got some awesome alternatives up my sleeve in New York!

Off-Broadway Shows: The Cool Little Siblings

Off-Broadway shows are like Broadway's laid-back cousins. They're often in smaller theaters and can be perfect for kids. Check these out:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show: Yep, that book your toddler loves! It's great for kids as young as 2 and only an hour long. Perfect for those short attention spans!

• Gazillion Bubble Show: Imagine a world of bubbles, lasers, and interactive fun. It's an hour of pure magic that'll mesmerize kids (and let's be honest, adults too).

• Blue Man Group: Blue guys making music and comedy? What's not to love? It's good for kids 3 and up, and runs about 90 minutes.

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Family Shows: Something for Everyone

Want shows the whole family can enjoy? Try these:

• Disney's Aladdin: If your kid is 6 or older, they'll love seeing their favorite Aladdin characters come to life. Plus, you get to relive your childhood!

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• The Lion King: This one's great for kids 8 and up. The puppets are amazing, and who doesn't love those African songs?

• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Got a 10+ year old Potter fan? This show's like magic on stage!

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Matinees: The Early Bird Special

Matinees are your best friend when it comes to kid-friendly theater. They're earlier in the day, usually less crowded, and perfect for those early bedtimes. Plus, your kids won't be cranky from staying up late!

Educational Pre-Show Programs: Learning Can Be Fun!

Some theaters offer cool pre-show programs. It's like a behind-the-scenes look that excites kids about what they're about to see. Check out:

• The New Victory Theater: They do fun workshops before the show.

• Kids' Night on Broadway: Once a year, kids get in free with a paying adult. They even have activities before the show!

Broadway in the Parks: Theater Under the Stars

Want a super casual theater experience? Try outdoor shows! They're often free or cheap, and you can bring snacks. Win-win!

• Shakespeare in the Park: Free Shakespeare in Central Park. It's great for older kids and teens.

• Bryant Park Picnic Performances: Grab a picnic and enjoy some free shows in the park. It's like dinner and a show, but way more relaxed!

Taking Your Kids to Broadway? Here's Your Survival Guide

So, you're thinking about introducing your little ones to the magic of Broadway? Awesome! But let's be real, it can be a bit nerve-wracking. Don't worry, I've got your back with some tried-and-true tips.

Do Your Homework (Yeah, You've Got Homework Too)

Before you drop that cash on tickets, make sure the show's actually kid-friendly. Here's how:

• Check out reviews from theater critics. They'll give you the lowdown on what to expect.

• Hit up the show's official website. They usually have age recommendations.

• Scope out parent reviews on sites like BroadwayWorld. Real parents, real experiences.

• Got a musical? Listen to the soundtrack with your kid. If they're bopping along, that's a good sign!

• Watch some trailers or clips. It'll give you a feel for the show's vibe.

• Scope out ticket prices. Our Broadway tickets page is a great place to start

Remember those age recommendations? They're more like guidelines. You know your kid best!

Prep Your Kids (And Maybe Yourself)

A little prep goes a long way. Try these:

• Give them a sneak peek of the story and characters.

• Talk about theater rules. You know, the basics:

  • Indoor voices during the show

  • No phones (that goes for you too, parents!)

  • Clap when everyone else does

  • Stay in your seat (unless it's potty emergency time)

• Practice sitting still at home. Make it a game!

• Show them pics of the theater. It'll feel less overwhelming on the big day.

• Explain what an intermission is. (No, it's not snack time, but close!)

• Maybe even play pretend theater at home. It's fun, I promise!

After the Show, Keep the Magic Going

The curtain's down, but the fun's not over:

• Ask what their favorite part was. Get ready for some enthusiastic responses!

• Talk about the story. What did they think it meant?

• Let them share all their feelings. Theater can bring up all sorts of emotions.

• If the show touched on some real-world stuff, use it as a chance to learn more.

• Get them to draw or write about the show. It's like a souvenir, but better!

• Rock out to the soundtrack again. This time, you can talk about how the songs fit into the story.

Timing is Everything

Picking the right showtime can make or break your experience:

• Matinees (around 2 PM) are great for the younger crowd. No one's falling asleep mid-show!

• Got older kids or teens? Early evening shows (7 PM-ish) could work.

• Avoid late shows. Trust me, tired kids and theater don't mix.

• Think about when your kids are usually in a good mood. That's your sweet spot.

• If you're traveling, give them time to rest before the show. A nap can work wonders!

• Weekend matinees often have more kids. It's more relaxed but also potentially more... lively.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and create some awesome memories. With these tips, you're all set for a fantastic Broadway adventure with your kids. Break a leg! (But not literally, please.)