A night out at the theatre is a great option for good family bonding time鈥攂ut what shows are good picks for all ages? Those shared moments of pure joy in a darkened theatre make for lifelong memories, which is why so many families love going to the theatre together.
But sometimes "family show" ends up just being code for "kid's show," and while those are great too, we think the best of the crop is fully entertaining to everybody, parents and children alike. Luckily, there's a lot to choose from in the New York theatre scene that meets that brief right now, which is probably why the most recent Broadway season was just declared the highest-grossing in history and the best attended in almost a decade.
Below are five shows which are sure to be a big hit with the entire fam (though we must note that every show on Broadway does include an age advisory, and we recommend checking those before booking a ticket鈥攅specially if you have children under the age of five).
BOOP! The Musical
This brand-new show is one of Broadway's splashiest and most colorful鈥攓uite literally! Mom and dad will for sure know about the iconic Betty Boop鈥攚ho comes to life and finds herself in present day NYC in this new musical from David Foster, Susan Birkhenead, and Bob Martin. But even if you don't know much about Betty going in, you don't need to. BOOP! is the perfect introduction into a classic character, paying homage to her long legacy and giving her a modern spin, too. This big, dancy musical features direction and Tony-nominated choreography by Jerry Mitchell, the mind behind past hits like Hairspray and Kinky Boots. Mitchell knows how to give us a big number that leaves audiences truly dazzled, and that's on spectacular display in BOOP! Leading lady Jasmine Amy Rogers鈥攚ho received a well-deserved Tony nomination鈥攊s also a must-see, giving one of the best performances currently on the boards. Everyone will remember when they saw Rogers burst onto the scene an instant star in BOOP!
Aladdin
It's no great surprise that Disney has the family market cornered on Broadway. They've been turning their beloved animated films into huge, splashy stage musicals since 1994, which is to say they know how to make everyone smile. The best part about seeing a Disney stage adaptation is they don't just perform the movies we already know and love live. You get a completely new experience, with new songs, characters, and more. Aladdin is a great example of that. When Disney first brought it to the stage in 2013, they were able to pull out some songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman for the 1992 animated film that were previously cut, meaning you get new gems like "Proud of Your Boy." And just like that original film, Aladdin is a fun adventure story that everyone can appreciate, and that much loved Genie鈥攃urrently played by Michael James Scott鈥攚ill keep everyone in stitches, too.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
If you're wanting to find a non-musical play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the perfect option. This epic play continues the story of the original book and film series, focusing on Harry's son Albus and his time at Hogwarts. You get a completely new story that truly stands alongside those you already know鈥攚hich also means you'll fully enjoy this one even if you haven't read the original series! This play also features some of the best stagecraft ever seen on Broadway, with special effects that regularly look like they have achieved actual magic on stage. That combo means that this production will have you both gasping from the stage magic while also totally caught up in the emotional and action-packed story. And if this one hasn't been on the top of your list because you heard how long it is (the work was originally a two-part, multi-day experience), you'll be happy to know that as of earlier this year, the show has been newly condensed and is now playing at a length that will let you be worry free even with younger kids. And the Harry Potter team did that without sacrificing any of the thrills or magic, so it's a real win-win.
SIX: The Musical
You wouldn't necessarily think a musical about the wives of Henry VIII is perfect family fare, but that was before Lucy Moss and Toby Marlowe turned these six ladies into a fabulous modern pop girls group. This West End transfer lets each of Henry's wives take the stage with their own number, and they're all frankly total bops, as the kids say. This is one that you may find yourself adding to your playlist after you hear the infectious songs. And not for nothing, Six is also a fast and fun experience, clocking in at just over an hour. That means it might just be the perfect pick for younger kids, or for nights when you want to get home before it gets too terribly late. But don't worry鈥攖hey pack a lot of show into that running time, which has helped make this musical a true audience favorite since it began its Broadway run in 2020.
Pirates! The Penzance Musical
Even if you've seen the crowd-pleasing Gilbert and Sullivan classic before, this new musical at Roundabout Theatre Company is something completely new. They've taken the classic songs and plot and shifted the action to New Orleans, which gave the creators the excuse to give the score a fresh, new set of jazz and Zydeco-inspired arrangements. And for good measure, they also got a new script from two-time Tony winner Rupert Holmes. And he came to the table with jokes鈥攁nd lots of them! Combined with hilarious performances from icons like David Hyde Pierce and Jinkx Monsoon, plus Ramin Karimloo swinging in on a rope, Pirates! is a hilarious night out at the theatre, and the arrangements make it feel like Mardi Gras, too. Look sharp, and you might even get some beads to take home!
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