Visiting New York City with children? What better way to show off the city’s chops than strolling along the Great White Way to see a Broadway performance? Familiar names and faces come to live in these energetic, colorful and exciting musicals!
P.S.: The best way to get the cheapest seats is also the riskiest. Day-of tickets can provide up to 50 percent off shows at the Theatre Development Fund’s TKTS Booth at 47th Street and Broadway, but imagine the disappointment of your children if they sell out before it’s your turn in line. Stand in line outside the theatre, and you may find tickets to your favorite shows for as low as $25, again, after standing in long lines.
Aladdin
Disney’s animated Aladdin gives kids a new friend in a new Genie on this exciting Broadway musical full of laughs as well as the classic songs that parents can’t help but sing along to. Award-winning Alan Menken also penned new songs for this adaption for new surprises to a classic. Ages 6 and up will fall in love with Aladdin’s Genie.
New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street
Anastasia
Based on the 1997 cartoon, Anastasia is the Russian-inspired tale of a young woman on a mysterious adventure in Paris. The sweeping 2.5-hour performance debuted with much fanfare in April 2017 and features matinee and evening shows with one intermission. The show welcomes children ages 8 and up. Ticket prices begin as low as $69.
Broadhurst Theatre, 235 West 44th Street
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Give your kid the golden ticket and head to the Great White Way to see the magical story of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It doesn’t matter if you argue over Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp’s movie version, you’ll all love this musical that wows the kids. The songs made famous in the original film make an appearance in this show-stopping rollick through the factory. Ages 6 and older are welcome, with tickets start at $69.
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street
Hamilton
Scoring tickets to the Broadway smash requires very advanced purchase, but if your kids are swept up in the hubbub and already know every song about the legendary Alexander Hamilton and his feud with Aaron Burr by heart, it’s highly worth the wait. Plus, you’ll earn serious street credit with your own friends for seeing this hit. Due to strong language, the show is recommended for ages 10 and older. Many scalpers are out there, so make sure you buy your tickets from the theatre or Ticketmaster to make sure you do get in the door!
Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 West 46th Street
Lion King
The Circle of Life brought the story of the Lion King from Disney’s animated film to stage, and features such elaborate costumes it took home scores of awards for designers. The show has been offering eight performances a week since its run began in 1997, and is one of the coolest, must-see shows on Broadway. Ages six and up are welcome to the higher-priced musical.
Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street, New York
School of Rock
Jack Black’s unique musical teachings was a hit on the big screen and now it’s one of the most popular shows on Broadway. The show opened in late 2015 and has been on a (rock and) roll ever since! Be prepared to sing and dance and rock your socks off! Tickets start as low as $59, and children ages 8 and older are welcome.
Winter Garden Theatre, 1634 Broadway
Wicked
Wicked shares the story of “The Wizard of Oz” from the wronged Wicked Witch of the West’s perspective. (Maybe she wasn’t so bad, after all?) A staple on Broadway since its launch in December 2016, Wicked is one of the longest running shows. The 2.5-hour show recommends children be 8 and older but will accept children 5 and up.
Gershwin Theatre, 222 West 51st Street
All images courtesy of Broadway Box