The Lion King Broadway Show

[FreeTime]

We have tickets to the Lion King which is in town for the next few weeks. When DH bought tickets he bought ones for our 2 & 3 year old also. They usually are well behaved and people had told him that the show is very colorful and exciting and that they would enjoy it. We are now having second thoughts. We don't want to miss the show as we attend to them if they start acting up and we don't want others to be disturbed. Has anyones kids this young seen the show? Are we crazy to take them? Would they pay attention and like it? Thanks

 

[FreeTime]

bump!

 

[Kimberle]

I haven't seen that show. I've heard it's wonderful.

You should check with the theator, though, as many don't allow children under 4. Some do, but many don't.

Enjoy the show!

 

[Kim&Chris]

The show is very exciting and very colorful, but different from the movie in many ways. I'm sure they know the movie well, but believe me, it won't be the same. I don't want to spoil it for you!

It might be a little too much for a 2 & 3 year old.

 

[swanmom]

All ages are accommodated at the New Amsterdam for this show (just no kids under five in the first three rows.) That being said, no matter how colorful the on-stage theatrics are, I would judge by your kids behavior in other venues. It's long, loud and requires following the story through the lyrics of the songs. (Not a tremendous amount of dialog.) If your kids sit through other similar things, then you may be fine. But if they are apt to want to talk out loud, move around, ask questions if they don't understand the story, etc., then you may want to rethink. You also should be prepared to take them to the lobby if they are disruptive to others. Our DD did fine at 4 years old but she loves
musical theater and had already seen several shows. I can tell you that another child sitting next to us was having a difficult time and, while I know that a child can go off at any time, it was hard not to be annoyed when our enjoyment of such a once-in-a lifetime (and extremely expensive) event is compromised.

 

[Aimeedyan]

I completely ditto swanmom =)

Each child is different. My first thought is that no, they are too young, but I know that there are some that can handle it... but it has been my exp, that most children that age aren't even quite ready for a movie in a theater, and I would tend to think a live show would be similar as well.

The Lion King Show is absolutely incredible. I would hate for you to all go and end up having a problem... is there something similar you take try out and see if its a problem beforehand?

It is long, and they are expected to sit in their chairs for it... no standing in the aisles or standing in the chairs. That is the hardest part, I think. Its just a really long time for a little one to stay amused on one thing, even though that one thing rocks.

And it truly is a very expensive and often once in a lifetime exp for others around you, I'm so glad to hear a parent that is thinking of those others! (which I believe you are in posting this!). I've gone to shows with parents that couldn't have cared less their little one was disturbing everyone else...

Good luck in your decision - that's a hard one!

 

[slo]

My DH and I saw this last year and we did not take our 5yr old because I was concerned of her patience level and ability to follow what was going on.

Now, keep in mind, my DD loved The Lion King the movie, but The Lion King the Broadway show is quite different. The animals are people and I could just hear my DD asking 100 times "Why is Simba a man?" and "Why is Zazu a man?" I was just afraid that she just wouldn't get it.

The show is also quite long and you know how kids can get - ants in the pants definitly fits my DD. Also, my DD always has to use the potty at the most terrible times and I didn't want to be crawling over everybody when she would have to use the potty.

When I was at the show, and saw other parents getting frustrated with their children, I was quite grateful that I decided to leave DD at home and have a nice quite eveniing w/ my DH.

Good luck!!!!

 

[Skywalker]

Just my two cents...the Lion King play is very long and in my opinion probably too much. People pay good money and it would be a shame to have bored, squirming kids distracting them. Not that yours specifically would...but I speak from experience of being the unlucky person sitting beside a bored-out-of-his-mind 3 year old and two I-can't-believe-we-paid-good-money-for-this-aggravation-and-now-can't-enjoy-a-moment-of-it parents.

I did see many well behaved and even entranced children, however they were all much older than you are talking about. I guess all you can do is try...but if it's a disaster can you please remove your kids from the theatre for the sake of everyone else?

 

[TLinden16]

I think that two and three is a little bit young to handle a theatrical show. Your child will have to sit relatively still and stay relatively quiet for about an hour and 15 minutes for the first act, and about 50 minutes for the second act. I took my nine year old niece last year, and she got a bit bored during the parts that she wasn't familiar with from the movie.

Theatre is a wonderful thing to expose kids (I have taken all six of my nieces and nephews to see shows, and will be taken them all to see "The Lion King" in August), and I love to see people bringing there kids to live theatre, but I personally wouldn't bring a child under the age of five to a full length Broadway production that lasts nearly three hours. Theatre can have some very intense moments, and that can be overwhelming for alittle one.

Whatever you decide, enjoy the show! It's an amazing one. I think theatre is incredibly over priced, but this show is worth every penny.

Karen

 

[Boo]

We took our 3 year old and she absolutely loved it. We sat in the dress circle level (in between the floor and full balcony) first row so she had no one in front of her and she was up high enough to see everything. I think this made a HUGE difference. Now she is the type that could sit through a full movie, too. I'd try that to see how the kids do as a test. Now we didn't take our DS who was almost 2 b/c we knew there would be no way he'd sit through the whole thing. You know your kids best...the show is wonderful and engaging- for children with good attention spans and the ability to sit for awhile. The bright side is if you opt for sitters, you should have no trouble finding someone to use the spare tickets!!

 

[FreeTime]

Oops I meant they are 3 & 4! I must be getting old forgetting their ages! Thanks for the feedback! I am really worried about taking them and feeling that I wasted money on 4 tickets because none of us got to enjoy it. If we do take them, we definately are parents who will leave the theatre instead of sitting there ignoring the kids and letting others be disturbed. I would like to spend the evening with them, and want to introduce them to some culture, I guess I have a week or so to decide. Thanks!

 

[adamak]

I think it really depends on the kid. The show is colorful enough for the kids to not feel like it's a "show". They may think they're just watching an event unfolding.

I'd explain to the kid ahead of time of what's going to happen and how they should behave. If you don't have aisle, it'll be very difficult to leave in the middle. So make sure they understand (sort of) the protocol.

 

[Gupsmom]

My DD saw it at 3 1/2. She LOVED it. It's been 7 months and she still talks about it.

I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to try it with a 2 yr old. I was nervous with my 3 (3, 5 and 6). I just kept thinking that everyone in the theater spent A LOT of money for these tickets and I had to make sure my kids didn't ruin it for anyone. I even remember a few people looking nervous when we arrived but my kids did fantastic. Thankfully, at the end, we received good comments from the people around us.

My biggest problem recommending it for a 2-3 yr old is length. It is long... The first act is very long. The second act isn't as long though.