Although you can find discounts to Broadway shows every day, none of the usual deals compare to the bargain that is Kids Night on Broadway. On Tuesday, February 2, Wednesday, February 3 and Sunday, February 7, children ages 6 to 18 can catch a slew of Broadway shows for free—provided you buy an accompanying full-priced adult ticket. Participating productions include tried-and-true family faves (The Lion King, Wicked) tween-pleasers ( Bye Bye Birdie, Billy Elliot the Musical, West Side Story) and even a few choices for mature teens (Oleanna, Next to Normal).
Tickets go on sale on Monday, November 9 at noon, and we’re sure they’re going to sell out fast. Details on how to snag seats for Kids Night on Broadway should be available on the event’s website soon. Last year, a discount code was provided that allowed patrons to purchase tickets by phone, online or at participating theater box offices. Here’s hoping it’s just as easy this year!
If your kids incessantly repeat the mantra “kissing gives you cooties!,” they’ll likely get a kick out of Galli Theater’s adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm tale. Though the princess doesn’t technically smooch any lads, she does lock lips with a slimy green frog—which your tots will find both hilarious and slightly disgusting. Expect plenty of movement and audience interaction throughout the show.
At this point, your family’s schedule for this weekend is likely jam-packed with Halloween happenings—and who has time to go see a show with all that spooktacular fun on the itinerary? That’s why you should take in some theatrical thrills with your brood today at Shadow Box Theatre’s presentation of The Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin. The show includes plenty of music (sing-alongs, too), as the actors tell the tale of an oddly-shaped pumpkin who, in true Ugly Duckling style, learns to accept himself for who he is—lumps, bumps and all.
Prepare to say goodbye to Princess Fiona and your favorite donkey. We hoped it might have the staying power of Disney’s Mary Poppins or The Lion King, but alas, DreamWorks’ first foray into Broadway, Shrek the Musical, announced today that it will close on January 3rd, after playing a little over a year. The decision doesn’t come as a huge surprise; as New York magazine reported today, the show has lost more than 1 million dollars since Labor Day.
We were big fans of the big budget production; though its songs weren’t super memorable, its over-the-top set and hilarious, raucous characters sure were. Our suggestion: Treat your kids to the spectacle before it’s too late! You’ll find a great deal here.
We couldn’t be more excited for the Broadway revival of Ragtime to arrive this Friday. Why? Well, first off, we haven’t been able to get the musical’s gorgeous songs out of our heads since it opened on Broadway 12 years. Secondly, as we mentioned in our blowout feature on tweens, the epic show is perfectly suited for kids ages 9 to 12—especially those with an interest in history. And finally, we learned today, tickets to the show can potentially be quite cheap!
Beginning on Friday, the theater will institute a lottery ticket program for day-of performances. Two hours prior to each performance, patrons will be invited to enter a lottery drawing at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W 52nd St) for a limited number of $26.50 tickets. Names will be drawn at random 90 minutes prior to curtain, and there will be a limit of two tickets per person. Payment is cash only and winners must be present with valid ID to claim/pay for their prize. We hope you’re feeling lucky!
By now, your kids have likely seen Pinkalicious—perhaps even more than once! But the cupcake-centric show isn’t the only thing Vital Children’s Theater has to offer. Beginning this Saturday, the Upper West Side-based company opens the history-infused musical Matthew Takes Mannahatta. Haven’t heard of it? Then read our preview to get the skinny.
All tickets are $25, but if you buy online using code MTMVEB, you can snag yours for just $20 a pop.
Got a kid with the acting bug? Well, if he can really dance and sing, we may have found his dream gig. On Saturday, October 24, there will be an open casting call for the roles of Young Nala and Young Simba in the Broadway, Las Vegas and National Touring productions of Disney’s The Lion King. Kids ages 9 to 12 (and under 58 inches tall) will be taught the last verse of the song “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.” Sign-in begins at 9am at The National Black Theatre in Harlem (2031-33 Fifth Ave at 125th St) and ends at 11am.
If you doubt your show-tune belting kiddo is destined for such lofty heights, here’s another option: On Sunday, October 18, the Park Slope arts center Spoke the Hub Dancing will be holding auditions for its first production, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Adults and children ages eight to 16 are eligible to try out for the Peanuts-inspired musical. Kids should arrive prepared to dance (natch) and sing 16 bars from any song except a tune from the show. Call Spoke for an audition appointment at 718-408-3234.
Photos courtesy of Disney Theatrical Productions
