Ok, so Wicked is out, what about Beauty and the Beast or Little Mermaid?

[NiteNicole]

I think both Beauty and the Beast and Little Mermaid are touring and will be in our area sometime this year. The grandparents usually give money for b-days and Christmas and DH would like to use it to take DD to see one or both (matinee time) of these. I am CERTAIN she would love them but I'm not sure it'll necessarily be an audience that allows for a certain amount of fidgeting and low chatter.

She's seen a few childrens theater productions (short, 45 min - 1 hr), been to the movies a few times, and done things like Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live (thank you grandparents for sending cash for holidays!) so she is familiar with the idea of "sit down and stay in your seat, try to be quiet" but not exceptionally good at it. The tickets are not cheap, I don't want to have to leave halfway through and I don't want to ruin it for everyone around us.

Has anyone been to touring productions of these shows with a four year old? If we go during the day, can we be fairly certain it's mostly parents and kids and a little chatter won't get us booted? She would LOVE them and watches clips on youtube all the time and I'd really like to take her, but not if we're going to have to leave early. It's too expensive for that.

[newmommy7-08]

I'd call the theatre and find out if they have age limits, or if they have any shows for families. Sometimes musicals like that do at a matinee time. A friend took her daughter to a musical in December at 4 years old and they had a great time.

Also, look at the seating plan, try to choose seats on the end of an aisle at the back of your section, that way if you do have to leave it's in a least disruptive to both otherpatrons and the cast as possible.

[ollyoxenfree]

If you attend a matinee, you will likely be okay. There will probably be other pre-schoolers there, although most of the children will be older. I would make sure there are no age limits, but I think it's less a problem with those shows. Beauty and the Beast and the Little Mermaid are meant for children. Wicked is definitely an adult production - it's based on a book for adults, not the original Wizard of Oz children's book.

You may find yourself sitting near the local seniors' group monthly expedition, in which case be prepared for some unhappy looks. I think though that the expectations about fidgeting etc. are usually more generous at a children's show like the Little Mermaid and you will be fine.

[Maluhia]

We saw Little Mermaid on Broadway with 3 four year olds, it was perfect and great and we were NOT the only ones there with children; some older some younger. The thing is your child has to be the kind who can sit in her seat for the whole time because shows like this can and will kick you out for behavior that would be tolerated in a movie theater.


Beauty and the Beast I've seen a few times; for a child of 4 LIVE it's too scary.

[sunnmama]

Originally Posted by Maluhia

Beauty and the Beast I've seen a few times; for a child of 4 LIVE it's too scary.

Depends on the child. I took my dd to see Beauty and the Beast at a dinner theater at age 4, and she loved it. She did sit a little closer when then beast appeared, though!

[gwen's mom]

We took our dd#1, then 3/4 y/o to see touring Lion King, Little Mermaid, and Joseph over the course of a year. To be honest, we found the Little Mermaid to be a little dry and didn't keep DD's attention like the others did. Just our experience.

[TEAK's Mom]

I'd choose Beauty and the Beast. Both of my kids saw it pretty young and really enjoyed it. Mary Poppins was even better, if that is an option.