I'll be taking my nephews to NYC President's week. I was just there for 4 days over New Year's.

I'm looking for recommendations for shows that this age group would like. They have seen Stomp (maybe will do it again) Blue Man Group, Lion King. I've seen plenty but Avenue Q won't cut it, I may look at Phantom for them, but they probably won't be interested in Les Mis. If I can pick up the tickets at TKTS, so much the better.

You don't say how old the boys are, but you might consider Xanadu. Its a lot of fun for teens. Or how about Young Frankenstein? Lots of empty seats when we were there in January, so it may not be too hard to get tickets. Our older boys (twenty-somethings) really loved Spring Awakening.

How about Hairspray? It seems to show up at TKTS a lot, or there's a discount on Broadwaybox.com. Spring Awakening is a little mature for a 10 and 12 year old. Wicked is great, but is never discounted.

Les Mis closed on January 6th, so that won't be an option.

Enjoy your trip!

Gosh, I think boys would hate Phantom, but maybe I'm wrong. What about Spamalot? Discounts on broadwaybox. Young Frank. & Hairspray also good ideas.

The 39 STeps opened last night and might be fun. If you want off Broadway, instead of Stomp again, what about Fuerzabruta?

I would never take boys that age to Phantom - way too romantic. Agree they might enjoy Hairspray more - & maybe Young Frank. Have you looked at broadwaybox.com to see who is offering advance discounts for the days you will be there?

I think boys that age would be bored out of their minds at Phantom. Hairspray would be a much better choice I would think.

My boys are 10 and 12. They weren't wild about Phantom but they quietly sat through it. I'd look for something else if I were you.

What about Spamalot? Broadway show based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Altar Boyz. Kids that age LOVE it.

The bonus is that it is Off Broadway and also has discounts offered so is TONS cheaper than most Broadway shows.

Definitely Hairspray. And, as previously mentioned, discount tickets are regularly available.

Thank you for the replies. I just saw Spamalot myself over New Year's definately good.

What's the thought on the Putnam County Spelling Bee??

We saw Spelling Bee with a 10 and 12 year girl last year. Loved it. Have to say I am not so much a musical fan (I do love classic theater) but it was a great story, very talented cast and a smaller more intimate setting than many productions (but note no outstanding theater technical spectacles). I would highly recommend it.

I hated Phantom and I was 32 when I saw it!

How about Wicked? The story is familiar and it isn't at all geared towards a younger kids.

Tarzan might be another option.

Tarzan? I think that closed last summer! And should have closed before that.

Yes Patrick, but look on the bright side. Good tickets will be easy to come by.

We went to Young Frankenstein with pre-teen boys and we all loved it.

Spelling Bee is a good choice . . . except it's closing 1/20.

if you're not wedded to the idea of a musical, check out the New Victory Theatre - the show during Presidents week is Traces - with the 7 Fingers Troupe from Montreal, it's an acrobatic circus with skateboarding and such. The shows there are ALWAYS very good, and reasonable priced - the theatre is on 42nd Street across the street from Lion King - it's a great family venue.
http://www.newvictory.org/show.m?showID=1028546

Spelling Bee was great...but be warned there is a whole number about an erection. I took my 10 year old boy and 8 year old girl and spent the whole number rehearsing answers to possible questions in my head.