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