Best Broadway Plays to See with Your Child

A wish of mine is to be able to take my daughter to a Broadway show one day. When she was a bit younger, not that she is old now being only 9 years old, she had mentioned a number of times wanting to see a play. She loves to dance, she loves music, and she loves to sing. So, as a special gift for my little girl, I want to take her to see a play at the most well-known venue in the US.

This desire led me to research Broadway plays and musicals to see how many and which ones are appropriate for children. This is my list of the 5 most appropriate child-friendly Broadway plays and the reasons why I believe my daughter would truly enjoy them.

Wicked

The first play that jumped out at me was Wicked. This musical tells the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch from Wizard of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. Debuting in 2003, Wicked has won a Tony and continues to break sales records around the world. The story is appealing to my daughter, the characters are intriguing, and the music is inspiring. This is a Broadway play I think most children, over the age of 4, would truly enjoy.

http://www.wickedthemusical.com/#

The Lion King

The next obvious play has to be The Lion King. Based on the popular Disney film, it tells the story of a young lion cub, Simba, coming of age. Filled with color and energy and music, this play would appeal to any child. Having won a Tony Award and an Olivier Award, along with running on Broadway since 1997, makes the play very impressive. I think my daughter would love this musical and demand to see it multiple times.

http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelionking/broadway/#/home/

The Little Mermaid

With this play being based on one of my daughter's, as well as mine, favorite Disney films, I had to add this musical. The reviews are very mixed with some people loving the stage adaptation while others felt it was over-produced and lacking. As long as they stayed true to the story-line, kept the vivid characters, and included the energetic and colorful music, I think most children would enjoy this play. The Little Mermaid is a beautiful story and would be worth the trip just to see the stage transformed into an underwater world.

http://disney.go.com/theatre/thelittlemermaid/#/home/

Hairspray

This play would appeal more to teens and pre-teen children, but having watched the movie, my daughter has already said she would love to see this one on stage. The story of Tracy Turnblad and her desire to be on a local dance show, even though she is not what is perceived as the typical girl on the show, is inspiring. The dancing and the music make this play a truly enjoyable experience. Hairspray opened in 2002 and won 8 Tony Awards.

http://www.hairsprayontour.com/

Phantom of the Opera

I would love to take my daughter to see a true Broadway classic. The Phantom of the Opera is a clear choice since it has been on Broadway since 1986, making it the longest running play ever. The story is moving and music is haunting. The darkness and plot-line may be a bit much for some younger patrons, but I believe this is one play that everyone should experience. This play would give children a sense of appreciation for true Broadway talent and how amazing opera can be.

http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/new_york/

Someday, I will have the chance to take my daughter to one, and hopefully more, of these popular Broadway plays. Exposing your children to a variety of cultural mediums is important for growth and development. Take advantage of its easy accessibility and take your children to watch a play on Broadway. They will never forget it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page