I'm heading to the City in June with my son who is 8. Not sure which play to see. Not interested in Lion King and have already seen Blue Man Group. Would Little Mermaid or Mary Poppins be too immature? Thanks.

I haven't seen Little Mermaid, but it got very mediocre reviews. Everyone seems to like Mary Poppins (including adults) so I don't think it's too immature although he might THINK it is. The old classic, South Pacific, is getting ready to open at Lincoln Center and that might be wonderful.

There are also some other off B'way shows like Fuerzabruta and STOMP that are popular with families.

You may be able to get some of these on discount using a code from broadwaybox.com (although you might have to wait til closer to the trip).

Thanks. We've ruled out Little Mermaid and sticking with Mary Poppins and Blue Man Group.

Which do you think is better, Top of the Rock or Empire State? I hear Empire can be long waits, crowded etc. and Top of the Rock you can reserve and see just as much. Thanks.

No need to reserve at Top of the Rock. Most people feel the experience at Top of the Rock is much nicer and more civilized (and not nearly as long a wait) but the views from each are not really comparable. If you to to ESB, you should buy tix in advance.

I have been to both ESB and Top of the Rock; I enjoyed Top of the Rock much more. It was neat to see Central PArk and the ESB.

He might like Hairspray. It's very lively and upbeat. That's one of the few shows my son actually liked.

My Daughter on the other hand could sit through anything, and by that age she had no trouble sitting through the 3 hour Les Miz (no longer on bway), and throughly enjoyed Phantom of the Opera (which she saw when she was 7 or 8).

My first suggestion would be Lion King, which we loced, but you say not interested. I saw Hairspray with my daughter a few years ago. I personally not sure an 8 year old boy would get into it, but maybe.

sedin, I have an 8-year-old daughter and while we have yet to take the Broadway show plunge with her, I recommend as a resource the TDF Show Search (http://www.tdf.org/tdf_servicepage.aspx?id=100&%20do=v). The drop down menu includes an "age guidance" option that sorts shows by age appropriateness...Also, if you're looking for a lower-key show experience (perhaps in addition to whatever B'way show you choose), check out the Web sites for 92nd St. Y, Symphony Space, and Manhattan Children's Theatre. I've gone on class trips to all of these and the shows have been pretty decent.

I took my son to see Lion King when he was 9. It made such a big impression on him that I think it was the best things I ever did with him. He's 17 now and actually watches the Tony Awards every year to see what's on Broadway.

I encourage you to reconsider the Lion King - your 8 yr old son will be completely enrapt with this play.

Both of my kids have seen "STOMP" & loved it, they are (almost 3 & almost 6) & the venue in NYC is great, as the theatre is very small.

Paul, that TDF website is pretty good, but honestly, some of their age advisories are pretty low!! They list Avenue Q for 12 and up, and that really surprises me. Also, Spring Awakening at 13. My daughter first went to SA as a freshman in high school (14 yo) and that was about the youngest really that someone should see it, I think, and many parents might think even that is too young.