New York City is the theater capital of the world—and that goes for children's theater, too—with more than ten well-established companies producing Broadway-like entertainment for kids of all ages. Offering on-stage specialties ranging from modern adaptations of fairytales to cutting-edge fun, no two companies are quite alike—and they are all worth getting to know.

13th Street Repertory: This veteran company typically has a few beloved children's shows in rotation. 13thstreetrep.org
Now Showing: Wiseacre Farm and Rumple Who?

Galli Theater: 25 years old and still standing strong, the Galli's special way of connecting with kids is through fresh adaptations of classic fairytales, presenting up to ten productions a year. gallitheaterny.com
Coming Soon: Frog Prince (Jan. 7–29); Aladdin (Jan. 8-Feb. 26)

Literally Alive: Now in their 12th season, Literally Alive produces musicals based on classic children's literature. Plus, there's always a pre-show arts workshop for added fun. literallyalive.com
Coming Soon: Alice in Wonderland (Feb. 12-May 20)

Manhattan Children's Theatre: Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the Tribeca-based company offers a mix of classic and new productions, while still trying to keep it as affordable for families as possible. mctny.com
Now Showing: Giggle, Giggle, Quack

Making Books Sing: This critically acclaimed non-profit serves up a unique mix of literacy and musical theater with its lively reproductions of contemporary children's books. makingbookssing.org
Coming Soon: The Butterfly (Apr. 14-29)

The New Victory Theater: While not strictly a producer of plays, the famed New Victory—one of the long-time anchors of the revitalized Times Square—features theatrical productions in its mix of cutting-edge live entertainment for families. newvictory.org
Coming Soon: Rumplestiltskin (Jan. 6-8); Miss Ophelia (Jan. 13-15); Hands Up! (Jan. 18- 22); Wuthering Heights, Restless Souls (Jan. 27-29)

The Paper Bag Players: This forward-thinking troupe is noted for its creative repurposing of common household objects into cheerful sets, costumes and props to bring its hilarious song-and-dance routines to life. thepaperbagplayers.org
Coming Soon: The Paper Bag Players Laugh! Laugh! Laugh! (Jan. 28-Feb. 12)

Puppetworks, Inc.: The legendary Nicolas Coppola has been entertaining families with his marionette theater in Brooklyn for over 30 years. Simply amazing. puppetworks.org
Coming Soon: The Steadfast Tin Soldier & Nutcracker Sweets (Jan. 7-8); Puss in Boots (Jan. 14-Apr. 5)

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre: The long-time Central Park staple can always be counted on for top-notch puppet plays. cityparksfoundation.org
Coming Soon: Little Miss Muffet's Monster-Sitting Service (Begins Jan. 17)

TADA! Youth Theater: Noted for their acting classes, TADA! also sponsors professional-quality musical theater throughout the year with casts of totally talented kids. tadatheater.com
Coming Soon: The History Mystery (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Tribeca Performing Arts Center & TheatreworksUSA: We've put these veteran institutions together because many of the family shows at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts are Theatreworks productions. tribecapac.org, theatreworksusa.org
Coming Soon: Henry & Mudge (Feb. 26)

Vital Theatre Company: A high-profile theater group whose family division specializes in musical theater for young children. The present productions are at several Upper West Side locations. vitaltheatre.org
Coming Soon: The Bully (Jan. 14-Feb. 16)

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For more shows to see with your kids, visit our FAMILY CALENDAR.