On Broadway
A Broadway musical can set a family back a few hundred dollars, but it's one of those rare treats you'll always remember. Theater in New York City is a captivating experience. The long-running
Yes, it can be expensive, but not by any means is that the rule. If you can't afford four tickets to
It takes some planning, and you should go online before you arrive and see what's playing (try searching through entertainment listings of the
If you are dying to see a specific show, but it's sold out when you are in town, there are several ticket brokers and online services that can probably get you seats. However, be aware that some charge stiff fees for the privilege. To find them do an Internet search for “Ticket Brokers New York” and be assaulted by scores of brokers eager for your business. If you buy via
Shows are always opening and closing on Broadway, but some trends persist. There is always a riveting production of some classic drama by Eugene O'Neill, Henrik Ibsen, Edward Albee, and/or Shakespeare in any given Broadway season. There are favorite musicals as well, from the revivals of
All major theaters sell through two ticket providers: Telecharge or Ticketmaster. These ticket providers work in tandem, and the Web site of one will link you to the other if it doesn't handle a specific show.
Telecharge
212-239-6200
1-800-432-7250 (outside New York City)
Ticketmaster
212-307-4100
1-800-755-4000 (outside New York City)
Telecharge and Ticketmaster tack a nominal surcharge onto each ticket, but it's far less than ticket brokers charge. You can get the tickets mailed to you in hard copies or electronically, or you can pick them up at the theater the night of the show. In some cases, you can still order tickets from the theater box office.
Same-day discount tickets are available at the TKTS Booth at Forty-seventh Street and Broadway (expect to wait at least an hour, perhaps two) or at the South Street Seaport at Front and John streets — this location is a better bet, but it's out of the way unless you're sightseeing downtown. Both sites sell tickets at a 25 to 50 percent discount, with a small fee per ticket, but you have to pay in cash. The Seaport booth also sells tickets for the next day's matinee performances. You can buy tickets online at the Web site
Here is a list of some of the popular Broadway shows that you might consider seeing.
A Chorus Line
Schoenfeld Theatre
236 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
Times Square-West 42nd Street station (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train)
A second chance for you to see this record-breaking musical (the longest running when it closed) about a series of young people who want to make it big on the Great White Way. The kids will get the message that life may not be all that easy, but keep trying and you'll have a chance to play in the chorus line.
Chicago
Ambassador Theatre
219 West 49th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
West 50th Street station (1 train), West 49th Street station (N, R, or W train)
A razzle-dazzle production and winner of six Tony Awards,
Hairspray
Neil Simon Theatre
250 West 52nd Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
West 50th Street station (1 train)
A wonderful adaptation of the wacky John Waters cult film, this Tony Award–winning musical is fun, but some of its subject matter makes it inappropriate for younger kids. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
Of course, there's some interesting theater history along Broadway. The Music Box (239 West Forty-fifth Street) was built by Irving Berlin and opened in 1921. The New Amsterdam Theatre (214 West Forty-second Street), a grand theater built in 1903 with an elaborate interior, was refurbished by Disney and is now home to Mary Poppins. The Shubert Theater (225 West Forty-fifth Street), just off Shubert Alley (the famous theater stomping ground), was built in 1913. Look for ornate architectural touches.
The Lion King
Minskoff Theater
250 West 45th Street (at Broadway)
Times Square-West 42nd Street station (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train)
212-307-4747
This is the family show to see. It's an award-winning adaptation of the groundbreaking animated Disney film, and the sets and costumes are spectacular. Your kids will be singing and dancing in the aisles. Get tickets at least a month ahead of time.
The Little Mermaid
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre
205 West 46th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue)
50th Street station (1 train), 49th Street station (N, R, or W train)
212-307-4747
This adaptation of the popular and charming movie replaced the long-running
Mamma Mia
Winter Garden
1634 Broadway (between West 50th and West 51st streets)
50th Street station (1 train), 49th Street station (N, R, or W train)
A woman invites three men, any of whom might be her daughter's father, to her daughter's wedding. The musical score is comprised of ABBA's greatest hits, so this is a good option for young and old fans of the group, but it is not for young children. Tickets are available from Telecharge.
The Phantom of the Opera
Majestic Theatre
247 West 44th Street (between 7th and 8th avenues)
Times Square-West 42nd Street station (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train)
This is the ultimate Broadway experience, and it's appropriate for almost all ages except the very young. If you can afford it, ask for seats under the chandelier. Tickets are available from Telecharge.
Young Frankenstein
Hilton Theatre
West 44th Street at 7th Avenue
Times Square-West 42nd Street station (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, or 7 train)
Replacing the venerable
