Which Broadway musical for 12-year-olds?
 

We're going to NYC in July and hoping to see a musical. We've seen a few musicals in regional theater productions, and we saw Wicked in Chicago, but we've never been to New York City before. It will be DH and I (both in our 40s) and our 12-year-old twins (boy and a girl). Our daughter loves musicals and theater; our son is, well, considerably more excited about the Yankees game he'll get to see. But I want the whole family to have the this experience.

So...which musical? Wicked again (we loved it before)? West Side Story, which I adore, but none of us speak Spanish? Others I'm considering are Billy Elliot, South Pacific, or Lion King. Would Lion King be too "babyish"? Maybe there is something else wonderful that I'm not even thinking of? All your advice is welcome. Thanks.

Many adults like Lion King so I wouldn't say it's too babyish but Billy Elliott is newer and a hotter ticket. I don't think you need to speak Spanish to understand West Side Story. There are also several off Broadway shows like Blue Man Group, Altar Boyz, Stomp and Fuezerbruta that are popular with families and often available on discount on broadwaybox.com (in the left hand column) Many B'way shows are also on discount but not the ones we're talking about here.

Hi. I would highly recommend The Lion King for anyone - it's a stellar production (and I'm NOT a Disney theatre fan). Mary Poppins is also pretty good. West Side Story for sure and South Pacific (if you can get a ticket). I've not seen In the Heights, but have only heard amazing things about it and you can likely get a ticket to that show. Billy Elliott would be a good one as well - but very hard to get tix. Also, be sure to try sites such as Playbill.com; hitshowclub.com and theatremania.com. These sites are free to register with and they generally have discounts. Enjoy!

Hi I went to NYC a few years back with a 11 year old and 14,16 year old also. They saw Wicked and it was there favorite, they also saw Hairspray and loved it, though my older kids thought it was a little risk-ay. All 3 thought it was fantastic. They also saw Lion King and both thought it was good but boring. I heard about it from my 14, yet my 11 year old thought it was pretty ok. Of the 3 that was her least favorite. But still good. I heard (though I do not know if it is still there) that Mary Poppins was great. Good luck and have fun!

Something that I have taken kids of all ages (& both sexes) to is Stomp! It is in a smallish venue (in NYC) which is awesome for this show. Even if you've seen it before, it is constantly updated & changed. http://www.stomponline.com/

Here's a recent discussion for 10 year olds
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...0-year-old.cfm

Noone is every too old for Lion King! It is a spectacular production that everyone will enjoy. Since you have already seen Wicked I would go to something else. Hairspray is no longer running. Billy Elliott is the hottest ticket and you would all enjoy it (rent the movie, its great). South Pacific is fantastic, but Lion King and Billy Elliot might be more enjoyable for your kids. Whatever you decide, Enjoy!!

Thanks for the replies. Maybe my daughter and I will go to two shows, and DH and son just to one. I'll have to think on this a bit more, but now I'm leaning toward Billy Elliot and Lion King both.

How soon do I need to get tickets for mid-July? Also, any general advice on where to sit in the theaters?

I loved "Lion King" and I am almost old enough to collect Social Security.

"Mary Poppins" (usually available on TKTS) is pretty good too.

TKTS takes credit cards now.

My 68 year old husband, my 56 year old self, my 14 year old son, and my 11 year old twin sons all enjoyed "In the Heights" recently. There were quite a few kids there.

Lion King and Billy Elliott would be my two choices too. Sit UP in the mezzanine so you can see all the gorgeous show of the Lion King. So much going on with all the animals and incredible costumes. For Billy Elliott I'd want to sit as close as possible. If the orchestra seats are really far back, then I'd go for mezzanine for that show too.

For musicals - generally mid orchestra or front mezzanine seats are best. For Lion King - orchestra. I sat in front mezzanine and missed some cool stuff in opening. Do NOT sit in the first 5 rows for a musical. That is fine for a play.

Lion King was amazing. I also enjoyed In the Heights and Shrek. Did not see Billy Elliot or South Pacific. Make sure you check broadwaybox.com; you can order tickets in advance (with discount code). There are TKTS booths where you can buy about 1/2 price tickets for the same day performance IF the show is listed for the day. No choice in seating.

Do not miss seeing a NY Broadway show!

Thanks! We're so excited about our first NYC trip! I appreciate the help.