We are going to New York City next week with our almost 3 year old, and would love to take him to a Broadway show. If you have any recent experience with this or recommendations (current show titles), please let me know.....even if it's "don't take a todder to a broadway show!" thanks!
Thanks everyone for your responses! You have convinced me that he is not ready....thanks for reminding me of all the factors we didn't consider (the show costs, the possible disruptions to others, the scary parts, etc). I really appreciate them! I will wait a few years before attempting a theatre show. You were all very helpful...Thanks!
My kids had a lot of trouble sitting quietly through theater shows even at 6.
There is a reason kids movies are so short. =)
No. Now let me qualify why I think that lol. He may love going to the theater. And its a wonderful thing. But a broadway show is usually packed. people pay upwards of $50 a ticket. and in some case much more. They won't want to be sitting next to, in front of, or behind a toddler who can't see and is vocal about it. who needs to potty, have a drink, wants to go , is uncomfortable etc. It is a wonderful thought but most 3 year olds can't sit still as long as needed. You might want to see if your really set on taking him if you can make sure you have isle seats and that there are no scary parts
My 3yr old daughter loves The Lion King movie. She will watch it over and over. We briefly thought about taking her to see it on broadway. I let her see some scenes from the broadway show on youtube. Her reaction was all i needed to say no. She got very scared and didn't understand why the music was the same as the movie but there were people with makeup on.
Tickets can be very expensive. You don't want to pay for something and not get the chance to see it because your child is upset or won't sit.
We are going to wait until she's 4 and see at that point if she's ready.
Good luck!
Just whatever you do, make sure you have an escape plan. Three years is awfully young to sit through this type of thing. However I don't think he'll be allowed in at that age...if he is, bring earplugs because depending on the show, it may get loud. Why not just take him to a children's museum instead? NYC has got sooooo much more child-friendly stuff than a broadway show, perhaps you could look into other things for him at this age.
Broadway shows I wouldn't suggest, but search around for children's theatre shows. They aren't as glamorous or entertaining for adults, but are TONS of fun for kids. I am a theatre major and some of my favorite shows to do are children's theatre. So much fun to see their faces. My favorite was Go Dog Go by P.D. Eastman. We had kids lining up to get our autographs on a copy of the book. So see if a book has been adapted and read it to him a couple times before the show and he can magically see the book come to life.
I don't know if Lion King is still playing but if it is, that show would be OK. Wicked is cool but I think it would get too confusing and a little dark. You probably already know this but there is a TKTS booth in Times Square where you can get half price tickets.
Good luck - I miss our visits to NY (our daughter graduated college there last year :(
I'd recommend not taking him. Because it's hard for a 3 yr old to sit still and be quiet through any thing as long as Broadway shows.
if you MUST , go for one like the lion king , something he might be familiar with.
We were in NYC last year and there were quite a few restrictions on kids under 5 at plays. They just weren't allowed. We saw Little Mermaid and it was wonderful and there were younger kids there but I'm not sure how young. I would recommend that one (but fyi, there are some really scary, loud parts in it).
G.,
Go here http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1D004372B7DD48F8 and check it out, you might want to try this.
I hope you can make it, if you can't go to the link, let me know I'll email it to you.
I.
Honestly, its difficult for a 3 yr old to sit through such a long show. If you can get him a sitter, you'll enjoy your experience a lot more and you'll be able to pick the show of your choice. Annie would be ok if you really want to risk it. Have a great time in NYC!
What does he seem to enjoy? I would think that something familiar would be the most attractive to him. The Lion King was amazing, but has he seen and enjoyed the movie?
