Family Friendly Shows

For Kids:

1. The Little Mermaid: Dive deep into the mystical underwater kingdom where Ariel, a curious mermaid, dreams of the world above. Watch as she strikes a dangerous deal to gain what she desires most, juxtaposing her aquatic adventures with life-altering choices.

2. Beauty and the Beast: In a tale as old as time, witnesses Belle, a bright and spirited young woman, become entwined in an enchanted castle, learning that real beauty comes from within, as she finds unexpected love with a beast.

3. Aladdin: Embark on a magical journey with Aladdin, a street-smart young man, and his magical genie. Navigate the streets of Agrabah, face formidable foes, and discover the true meaning of wealth and power.

4. The Lion King: Traverse the African savannah with Simba, a young lion prince. Experience his journey from innocence to exile, and finally to redemption, set against epic battles and timeless music.

5. Annie: Dive into the world of Annie, an orphan with boundless optimism. Amidst New York City's hustle, she seeks her lost parents, finding unexpected family along the way.

6. You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Kids): Peek into the charmingly innocent world of Charlie Brown and his pals. Witness their schoolyard struggles, kite-flying endeavors, and small yet significant victories.

7. The Wizard of Oz: Follow Dorothy in her whirlwind journey to the mystical land of Oz. Alongside her quirky companions, she searches for a way home, discovering strength and friendship.

8. Mary Poppins: Soar with Mary Poppins, the magical nanny, as she transforms the lives of the Banks children with whimsy, wisdom, and wonder.

9. Singin’ In The Rain: Immerse in Hollywood's golden era, where a silent film star confronts the dawn of talkies. Expect romance, comedy, and iconic dance numbers.

10. The Music Man: Traverse River City with Harold Hill, a charismatic con artist. Watch as his schemes unfurl, only to be derailed by unexpected love and the transformative power of music.

11. Meet Me In St. Louis: Journey through a year in the life of the Smith family. Set against the backdrop of the 1904 World's Fair, it's a nostalgic look at love and family ties.

12. The King And I: Set in 1860s Siam, witness the intriguing relationship between an English governess and the King of Siam, as they navigate cultural divides and personal growth.

13. Peter Pan: Take flight with Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up. Explore the magical Neverland, facing off against dastardly pirates and embracing eternal childhood.

14. Fiddler On The Roof: Delve into the life of Tevye, a Jewish milkman in Tsarist Russia, as he grapples with tradition and the changing world around him.

15. The Sound Of Music: Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Austria, follow the uplifting tale of Maria, a spirited nun-turned-governess, and the Von Trapp family as they find love, music, and freedom.

16. Pirates of Penzance: Embark on a rollicking journey with Frederic, an apprentice pirate, as he navigates loyalty, love, and ludicrous escapades on the high seas.

17. Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory: Step into the enchanting world of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. Five children win golden tickets, but only one will inherit the factory's secrets.

18. Frozen: Traverse the icy realms of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa. Witness their journey of love, self-discovery, and the power of letting go.

19. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Gear up for an adventure with the Potts family and their magical car. Encounter spies, gangsters, and fantastical inventions in this heartwarming tale.

For Tweens:

1. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers: Delight in this romantic musical set in Oregon's 1850s frontier. Watch as seven brothers decide to find brides, leading to spirited dance sequences and unexpected love stories.

2. High School Musical: Dive into the lively world of East High, where basketball captain Troy and shy student Gabriella challenge norms to follow their musical dreams, exploring themes of friendship, love, and self-expression.

3. Newsies: Join a group of spirited newsboys in 1899 New York as they rally against publishing tycoons, fighting for their rights through catchy songs and high-energy dance numbers.

4. Oliver!: Step into Dickensian London with young Oliver Twist, navigating a world of pickpockets, crime, and the search for a family and home.

5. Guys & Dolls: Wander the streets of 1950s New York, witnessing gamblers, gangsters, and missionaries intertwining in love and luck in this comedic masterpiece.

6. Into The Woods: Journey into a magical forest where fairy tale characters' lives entwine, facing consequences and wishes as their stories take dark and delightful twists.

7. Hairspray: Groove to the 1960s Baltimore, where teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on TV, tackling issues of racial segregation and self-acceptance with vibrant musical numbers.

8. Bye Bye Birdie: Dive into a tale of rock 'n' roll and young love, as music sensation Conrad Birdie gives one last kiss before being drafted, causing mayhem in a small town.

9. White Christmas: Warm up with two war buddies turned entertainers, who, with two sisters, put on a show to save a failing Vermont inn, filling the stage with festive songs and romance.

10. Thoroughly Modern Millie: Step into 1920s New York, where Millie Dillmount embarks on a quest for modern life and love, encountering flappers, tycoons, and unexpected twists.

11. My Fair Lady: Delve into the transformation of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, under the tutelage of Professor Higgins, exploring themes of class and identity with wit and charm.

12. Mamma Mia!: Embark on a sun-kissed Greek island, where a young bride-to-be seeks her real father, leading to a heartwarming tale filled with ABBA's timeless hits.

13. Grease: Journey to Rydell High in the 1950s, where greasers and pink ladies navigate love, friendship, and the pressures of teenage life with catchy tunes and iconic dance moves.

14. West Side Story: Step into 1950s New York, where two rival gangs clash. Amidst the tension, a modern-day Romeo and Juliet love story unfolds, examining love, prejudice, and tragedy.

15. The Phantom Of The Opera: Descend into the Paris Opera House's catacombs, where a disfigured musical genius becomes infatuated with a young soprano, leading to passion, obsession, and haunting melodies.

16. Oklahoma!: Experience early 20th-century Oklahoma, where love triangles and rivalry play out against the backdrop of a budding American state, blending romance with cowboy charm.

For Teens:

1. Funny Girl: Spotlight on Fanny Brice, a famed vaudeville star, as she rises to fame while navigating love and personal challenges, showcasing her comedic genius and emotive depth.

2. Little Shop Of Horrors: Venture into a quirky flower shop, where a meek florist discovers a carnivorous plant that promises success but demands a deadly price.

3. Dream Girls: Dive into the glamorous world of 1960s R&B music, charting the rise and challenges of an all-girl singing group, exploring themes of love, ambition, and the cost of fame.

4. RENT: Experience bohemian New York, where a group of friends navigates love, loss, and life under the shadow of the AIDS epidemic, championing themes of hope and resilience.

5. Les Misérables: Traverse post-revolutionary France, witnessing the stories of characters entwined by fate, as they grapple with justice, love, and redemption against a backdrop of societal upheaval.

6. Chicago: Step into the razzle-dazzle of 1920s Chicago, where two murderesses vie for the spotlight, navigating a world of jazz, jealousy, and media manipulation.

7. Moulin Rouge: Delight in the hedonistic world of Paris's famed cabaret, where a young writer falls for a star courtesan, exploring love, sacrifice, and bohemian ideals.

8. Man of La Mancha: Embark on the imaginative quests of Don Quixote, a self-styled knight, as he confronts the harsh realities of the world with undying optimism and chivalry.

9. Rocky Horror Picture Show: Dive into a campy, sci-fi realm, where a stranded couple encounters a transvestite scientist and his eccentric entourage, in this cult classic filled with rock anthems.

10. Cats: Join a tribe of Jellicle cats as they decide who will ascend to the Heaviside Layer, set against a tapestry of feline tales and mesmerizing dance sequences.

11. Victor Victoria: Step into 1930s Paris, where a struggling singer becomes a star by posing as a man impersonating a woman, blurring lines of gender and identity with humor and heart.

12. Hair: Dive into the 1960s counterculture, where a tribe of young idealists protests against war and societal norms, exploring themes of love, freedom, and self-expression.

13. Cabaret: Venture into 1930s Berlin, where an American writer falls for a cabaret singer, set against the rise of the Nazi regime, blending decadence with impending doom.

14. Judy: Spotlight on Judy Garland, the iconic star, as she faces personal and professional challenges, weaving a tale of talent, love, and resilience.

15. A Star is Born: Delve into the music industry, where a seasoned musician discovers and falls for a young singer, exploring the highs and lows of fame, love, and self-destruction.

Why Live Shows Matter

Live theater has always been a profound medium of art, not only serving as a form of entertainment but also as an educational tool. For children, the allure of live performances can teach them essential life skills like empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving. It gives them a chance to see their favorite characters come alive, stories unfold before their eyes, and emotions play out in real time.

For those who don't reside near the famed streets of Broadway or close to the plethora of children's theaters spread throughout the country, this year promises to bridge that gap. With a myriad of shows touring the US, families can experience the magic without traveling miles.

The Magic of Childhood: Shows Tailored for Kids

Iconic Characters Come Alive

From timeless classics by Disney, such as "The Lion King" and "Frozen," to the heartwarming tales of "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast," there's something for every child. The nostalgia of "Mary Poppins" and the comedic brilliance of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" ensure a diverse palette of entertainment.

Furthermore, these live adaptations are not merely a replica of what kids see on their screens. They are often reimagined, with added songs, dances, and story elements that make them fresh and engaging even for the adults in the audience.

Musicals that Mold

Musicals have a unique way of narrating stories - through songs, dance, and dialogue. The list of family-friendly musicals touring this year is exhaustive:

Dive under the sea with "The Little Mermaid."
Experience the enchantment of "Beauty and the Beast."
Travel to a whole new world with "Aladdin."
... and many more!

For the Tweens: Striking the Right Chord

As kids grow, so do their tastes and preferences. Tweens are at a transitional phase, looking for something more than just fairy tales. Musicals like "High School Musical," "Newsies," and "Grease" provide the right mix of drama, romance, and coming-of-age themes.

Musicals like "Into The Woods," which has a film adaptation coming later in 2014, and the ever-popular "Mamma Mia!" are bound to leave tweens dancing in the aisles.

Teens Take the Front Seat

Teenagers are a discerning audience, often looking for deeper themes and intricate plots. This year, the line-up doesn't disappoint. From the tragic romance of "Les Misérables" to the electrifying performances in "Chicago" and the haunting beauty of "The Phantom Of The Opera," teens are in for a treat.

"RENT," which delves into themes of love, loss, and identity, and the whimsically dark "Little Shop Of Horrors" is sure to resonate with this age group.

In Conclusion: A Year of Theatrical Splendor

2023 promises to be a stellar year for live performances tailored for young audiences. It's not just about entertainment; it's about instilling a love for the arts, nurturing creativity, and offering experiences that last a lifetime.

So, if you have kids, tweens, or teens, make sure to check out the nearest venues and dates. The world of theater is knocking on your door – it's time to answer the call!