Broadway- The Ultimate Guide For Kids And Teens
Broadway! The name alone inspires dreams. Doesn’t every kid dream of becoming an actor? If you have an aspiring thespian in your household and are planning on visiting New York City you are going to need to know all about the hottest shows on the Great White Way. Read on to discover the ultimate guide to Broadways Shows for kids and teens.
From family-friendly classics to exciting newcomers, our Ultimate Guide to Broadway details all you need to know to ensure you have an unforgettable theater experience. Explore the magic of Broadway with us today.
One note, I put the official age recommendations next to the show titles but I may be recommending the show for the older Teen audience based on many factors including mature content and my child’s impressions.
Broadway, The History of The Great White Way:
The Great White Way is a nickname for Broadway/the Theater District, specifically the area of Times Square between 41st and 53rd Streets.
Broadway has roots that trace back to the mid–18th century, when a 280-seat theater—called “the Theatre” opened in lower Manhattan. Around the same time, Benjamin Franklin started experimenting with electricity. .By 1880, the streets around Broadway were illuminated by arc lamps. In 1895 Oscar Hammerstein (yes, his grandfather) opened the Olympia Theatre. Hammerstein made history when he lit the Olympia with electric light in 1895. Before this theaters were lit by gas and plagued by smoke and fires. As other theaters began to follow the Olympia’s lead, the growing brilliance of the electrical signs promoting the shows brought the nickname The Great White Way into existence
Best Broadway Shows for Kids:
Aladdin:
New Amsterdam Theatre: 214 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 8+, 2 hours 30 minutes).
This musical based on the Disney classic is full of a Genie energy and laughs The costumes are exquisiite and the new songs carry you into “A Whole New World”.
Back to the Future:
Winter Garden Theatre: 1634 Broadway (at W. 50th St.), New York, NY 10019
(ages 6+, 2 hours and 40 minutes).
Great Scott, this production is exciting! Marty Mc Fly has landed in NYC and it’s gonna be a fun ride. There is even a phenomenal gift shop where you can buy your own Orange Puffer vest and channel Marty while walking around Manhattan.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Lyric Theatre: 213 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 8+, 3 hours 30 minutes).
Reimagined as one performance (it used to be two) this play is a must-see for Potterheads! This is an immersive experience whatever House you identify with (Hufflepuff here)!
The Lion King:
Minskoff Theatre: 200 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 6+, 2 hours 30 minutes).
I cried big baby tears during the opening scene. Be prepared and bring lots of tissues for the wonder of the savannah! The puppets and imagery are a joy for all to experience.
The Wiz:
Marquis Theater: 1535 Broadway (45th/46th Street), New York, NY, USA, 10036
(ages 8+, 2 hours 20 minutes).
Escape into the magical world of Oz with stage and screen star Wayne Brady in the title role.
Wicked:
Gershwin Theatre: 222 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019
(ages 8+, 2 hours 30 minutes).
This musical prequel to The Wizard of Oz guarantees a magical adventure to Oz with an amazing score and some scary flying monkeys.
Best Broadway Shows For Tweens/Teens (10 and up)
& Juliet:
Stephen Sondheim Theatre: 124 W 43rd St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 6+, 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Told from Juliet’s perspective this musical take on Romeo & Juliet is full of girl power.
Hamilton:
Richard Rodgers Theatre: 226 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 10+, 2 hours 55 minutes).
History is cool! Do not throw away your shot to see Hamilton on Broadw Lin-Manuel Miranda,
MJ:
Neil Simon Theatre: 250 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019
(ages 8+, 2 hours 30 minutes).
A “Biomusical” inspired by the life and art of the late King of Pop. Michael Jackson is still Thrilling audiences in NYC daily.
The Outsiders:
Bernard B.Jacobs Theatre: 242 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 10+, 2 hours 25 minutes).
Set in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, the musical follows Ponyboy, Johnny and their “outsider” friends who are in a fight for survival and purpose in a world that may never accept them.
Water For Elephants:
Imperial Theatre: 249 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
(ages 11+, 2 hours 30 minutes).
Based on Sara Gruen’s acclaimed novel, Water for Elephants.
Off Broadway Shows:
Blue Man Group:
Astor Place Theater: 434 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10003
(ages 5+).
Gazillion Bubble Show:
Two Worldwide Plaza Condo- 340 W 50th St, New York, NY 10019
(all ages).
If you’d like to learn more about Broadway you can visit the Museum of Broadway in NYC.