Now that everyone in the world seems to have seen Wicked in movie format, getting tickets to Wicked on Broadway is more difficult than before. If you haven’t seen the stage production and have only seen the first of the movies, hightail it to NYC and get yourself some tickets to Wicked on Broadway. It’s a completely different experience than watching the movie and does not compare. I’ve seen lots of stage shows and lots of movies of them and I think Wicked is one where the stage show is going to continue to be a special experience each time you see it.
This is also one of the few mainstream Broadway shows that is appropriate for all ages without the need for any awkward conversations about themes or lyrics… except fascism. You will need to talk to your kids about government oppression and how fascism works (more on that below). If you have any questions about seeing Wicked on Broadway with kids or need help planning your own NYC trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more!
Highlights of Seeing Wicked on Broadway
What can I say about seeing Wicked on Broadway that hasn’t already been said? The performances are A+, the sets and costumes are exactly what you expect of a Broadway mega-show, the cultural phenomena can be felt the moment you enter the theater. Being such a well established production, your high expectations will be met, don’t worry. Having good seats for Wicked on Broadway truly does add to the overall experience when you’re in such a large theater as the Gershwin Theater in NYC.
Get Wicked Broadway tickets here!
Wicked and Talking to Kids About Fascism
What’s really interesting about experiencing Wicked on Broadway with kids is actually how they latch onto different parts of the story. Having seen the show several times before the movies were out, I had known the storyline of the animals being removed from society and losing the ability to speak, but it didn’t really resonate with me until I saw it with my oldest.
Teenagers are great because they will make big statements or ask questions without thinking about it at all, and that’s exactly how seeing Wicked went from a fun theater night to many future conversations about fascism, Nazi Germany and current issues with the US government weaponizing the immigrants and the LGBTQ community’s “other”ness to gain power. I think with the release of the Wicked on film it’s not lost on people anymore just how poignant the storyline of the oppression in Oz is and just how it came about. It’s allegorical of the USA today and how erasure and silencing happens. Anyways, heavy subject matter in Wicked on Broadway or watching at home.
Tips for Enjoying Wicked on Broadway
In general I think as long as you’re making it into the theater and getting kids interested in the performing arts as an important part of culture, then you’re doing something right. Having said that, when you’re seeing Wicked on Broadway it’s worth it to get good seats, as close to the center and as close to the middle (front to back) as possible. Being off to the side will give you a fine view and good acoustics, but being center for this show is important for the best experience. We’ve seen it just off-center and off to the back right, and I will say that the closer to center truly does make a big difference in how you enjoy the show because you get the full picture with the intended perspective.
For families seeing Wicked on Broadway, I would recommend doing one of the afternoon performances if you have small kids with you. Like with many shows, the second half of Wicked is a bit slower and darker. The songs and story are still great, but from a kid’s perspective they might think it’s a little boring in comparison to Act I, in particular because Act I ends on such a high note (get it?). If you can do an afternoon show kids will be more awake and not doze off in the darker, more complex Act II. Actually, this applies to adults also.
Being Prepared for Wicked on Broadway
The Gershwin Theater where Wicked on Broadway has its residency is a very large theater. If you have seats on the orchestra level, you’ll stay nice and cool throughout the performance, but if you’re up in the reaches of the balcony, it can get pretty warm. Just remember that like with any sort of travel experience, dress in layers.
I don’t love people snacking during a show, but that’s just how it is. There are concessions available with souvenir cups and other memorabilia and snacks. I always like to remind people that if you’re getting snacks to bring back to your seat, it’s nice if it’s a quiet food versus and crunchy snack from a crinkly bag. One time when we were seeing Wicked on Broadway we were sitting next to a grama who had packed tons of snacks for her family. I don’t know how she got them into the theater, but she was loaded up and the bags and foods were all quiet. Funny as it was, it wasn’t disruptive.
Who is Wicked a Good Broadway Show For?
Wicked is one of those Broadway shows that I think is appropriate to all ages as long as they can behave in a performance space. The content of the show is fun and colorful, the storyline is easy to follow, whether you understand the undertones of fighting fascism or not, and the music is memorable. I’ve seen kids as young as 5 or 6 at Wicked and they did great.
Because there are so many songs, this is a good show for people who have a hard time sitting still. There are opportunities to sneak out to use the bathroom or stretch your legs if needed, and unlike other shows, you’ll be allowed back in to your seat during song applause. Little Shop of Horrors and SIX are both tricky to step away during the show.
“I’ve seen Wicked as a film. Should I still see the Broadway show?”
Um, yes. Even though director Jon M Chu did an incredible job with the production and storytelling of Wicked, what you experience on Broadway with live performances is different. The flow of the story is a bit different, the individual players add their own flare and vibe to the characters, and keeping the in-person performing arts alive is important. You feel very different seeing Wicked on Broadway versus when you leave the movie theater. I think the experiences aren’t comparable.
Get Wicked Broadway tickets here!
More NYC Fun With Kids
I used to not like going to New York City at all… and then I started bringing my kids when I had to travel to NYC for work and I love it. There is no shame in having a stereotypical New York trip with kids, whether you’re seeing Wicked or Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway or you’re visiting Times Square at night to see the craziness, it’s all fun. Here are our top picks for activities with kids when you’re in NYC, and a few of them really add to the fun of having a family day in New York City.
- do the Empire State Building experience (it’s much more than just going up to the Observation Deck)
- visit the Harry Potter New York Store – it’s shopping, photo ops, Butterbeer and magical fun)
- have a meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – live singing all through the restaurant
- go out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- check out the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian (I love this place)
- take the kids to the Nintendo and Lego stores
- do the Museum of Modern Art (better with kids than the Met)
- enjoy the Museum of Natural History and Central Park
If you do half of these activities paired with an awesome Broadway show like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child you’ll have a great trip to New York City with kids. For more ideas and suggestions for visiting NYC with older kids, check out our article about NYC with a Preteen. Lot’s of insights into what makes a trip with older kids fun.
Other Kid-friendly Broadway Shows to Consider
Not all Broadway shows are as kid-friendly as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but there are some good ones… and we’ve seen them so we can share our opinions with you! Like with anything in life, you know your kids best and know what they’ll be into and down for. When it comes to choosing a Broadway show to see with kids, try to think about these three things:
- Appropriateness – every kid has a different level of maturity and every household has a different level of joking / age-appropriate comedy. Read up on a show to gauge the level of adult content before planning to take kids to it.
- Consider the timing of a show – afternoon shows are great with kids and you’ll often see more families at these shows. If you’re concerned about your kids talking in the theater and such, look for an afternoon show when other families may be in attendance too.
- Visual – kids love bright, fun shows with catchy songs and cool effects. Drab, moody shows aren’t great with kids (or me), but fun, upbeat, colorful shows are sure to keep kids’ attention.
If you’re concerned that there may be too much adult content in a Broadway show, because there often is, these shows are solid choices to see with kids and if they aren’t on Broadway in NYC at the moment, you may be able to see them as they tour. Touring productions are just as skillful, but may be slightly less grand than productions in residence due to the need to be flexible.
- any Disney Broadway show – Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Frozen, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins
- Christmas productions – Elf, White Christmas, A Christmas Story
- Classic Shows – Cinderella, Oklahoma, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Anything Goes, Music Man…
If you have any questions about seeing Wicked on Broadway, other shows or putting together your ideal NYC plan for your family, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and love to help other have amazing adventure
