Watching Broadway shows is one of the most wonderful family experiences and an amazing way to create great memories. Broadway offers a magical blend of live performances, incredible storytelling, and mesmerizing production values that can captivate audiences of all ages. Whether it's the dazzling lights of Times Square or the shared emotions evoked by a powerful scene, these experiences can strengthen family bonds and provide lifelong memories.
Choosing the right Broadway show for your teenagers can be a challenging task. With so many incredible options, each offering a unique blend of storytelling, music, and performance, it's important to find a show that resonates with their interests and tastes. My advice is to involve them in the decision-making process. Sit down together and watch clips or trailers of various Broadway shows to see which ones capture their attention and excitement the most.
A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. This breathtaking musical, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, has been a Broadway staple since its debut in 1997, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals, powerful music, and timeless story.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the stage adaptation is its innovative use of puppetry and stagecraft. The show features awe-inspiring animal costumes and puppets designed by Julie Taymor, who also directed the production. These creations, combined with stunning choreography and evocative African rhythms, bring the vibrant world of the Pride Lands to life in a way that is both visually and emotionally compelling.
Location: Minskoff Theatre, 200 West 45th Street, New York
Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Recommended Ages: for ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 2 will not be admitted.
& Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love – on her terms. This inventive and empowering musical takes the classic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet and gives it a bold, modern twist, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved character of Juliet.
In & Juliet, the narrative picks up where Shakespeare's original play leaves off, but with a radical change: Juliet decides not to follow Romeo in death. Instead, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Free from the tragic constraints of her original story, Juliet sets out to find her own path, experiencing the world and learning what it means to live and love on her own terms.
Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a vibrant and energetic playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, all written by legendary songwriter Max Martin and his collaborators. The musical features a host of chart-topping hits, reimagined and woven into the fabric of Juliet’s journey. Songs such as "Since U Been Gone," "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life," "That’s The Way It Is," and "Can’t Stop the Feeling" serve as the soundtrack to Juliet's adventures, providing a contemporary and relatable touchstone for the audience.
Location: Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 124 West 43rd Street, New York
Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Recommended Ages: for ages 8 and up. Contains some adult language.
SIX reimagines the stories of Henry VIII's six wives, transforming these historical figures into modern pop icons. Each queen tells her own story through powerful solo numbers, providing her perspective on her marriage and life with the infamous king. The show brings together history and contemporary music in a unique and captivating way, making it both educational and immensely entertaining.
The music in SIX is a standout feature, with each song drawing inspiration from contemporary pop and R&B genres. The songs are written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss and are designed to reflect the personalities and experiences of the queens, with influences ranging from Beyoncé and Adele to Ariana Grande and Rihanna. This modern twist makes the historical content accessible and engaging, especially for younger audiences.
Location: Lena Horne Theatre, 256 West 47th Street, New York
Length: 80 minutes, with no intermission.
Recommended Ages: for ages 10 and up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is an extraordinary continuation of J.K. Rowling's beloved Harry Potter series, crafted as a two-part play by Jack Thorne, based on a story by Thorne, Rowling, and John Tiffany. This stage production delves into the next generation of wizards, focusing on Albus Severus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy as they navigate their legacy and the complexities of growing up with famous parents.
The play's production design is nothing short of spectacular. The set transitions effortlessly between different locations, from the bustling Hogwarts Express to the eerie depths of the Forbidden Forest. Lighting and sound design work in harmony to create an immersive experience, heightening the tension and drama of the story. The choreography and movement direction add a dynamic layer, enhancing the sense of magic and wonder that permeates the show.
Beyond its technical brilliance, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child explores deep and resonant themes such as the bonds between parents and children, the struggles of living up to expectations, and the enduring power of friendship and love. It delves into Harry's challenges as a father, his fears, and his desire to protect his children from the dangers he faced. Albus's journey, on the other hand, is about finding his own identity and place in a world that constantly compares him to his legendary father.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is not just a play; it is an immersive experience that combines the wonder of the wizarding world with the emotional depth and excitement of a new, original story. It captivates both long-time fans of the series and newcomers, offering a thrilling adventure that underscores the timeless appeal of J.K. Rowling's creation. This theatrical masterpiece ensures that the magic of Harry Potter lives on, enchanting a new generation and reaffirming the values of courage, friendship, and the enduring power of love.
Location: Lyric Theatre, 214 West 43rd Street, New York
Length: 3 hours 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Recommended Ages: for ages 8 and up. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted. Ages 15 and under will not be admitted without an adult.
Hamilton is the story of an unlikely Founding Father determined to make his mark on a new nation as hungry and ambitious as he is. This groundbreaking musical, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, tells the riveting tale of Alexander Hamilton, whose journey from obscurity to prominence helped shape the foundations of the United States.
The musical Hamilton captures these historical events with a contemporary flair, blending hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and traditional musical theater styles. The innovative score and diverse cast breathe new life into the story of America's Founding Fathers, making it accessible and engaging for modern audiences. Through its powerful performances and evocative lyrics, Hamilton not only tells the story of one man's extraordinary journey but also explores themes of legacy, ambition, and the complex nature of history.
Location: Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 West 46th Street
Length: 2 hours and 55 minutes, including one intermission.
Recommended Ages: Recommended for ages 10 and up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted.
MJ the Musical invites audiences to step into the extraordinary world of Michael Jackson, tracing his journey from a child prodigy to a global superstar. The musical delves into the creative process behind some of his most iconic performances and songs, offering a glimpse into the mind of a genius who revolutionized music, dance, and popular culture.
The show features a selection of Michael Jackson's greatest hits, bringing his timeless music to life on the Broadway stage. From the electrifying rhythms of "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" to the soulful melodies of "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World," the musical showcases the breadth and depth of Jackson's discography. Each song is performed with the same energy and precision that Jackson was known for, capturing the magic of his live performances.
Location: Neil Simon Theatre, 250 West 52nd Street
Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Recommended Ages: Recommended for children ages 8 and up. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted.
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