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Should I Bring My Kid To "The Little Prince" On Broadway?

Absolutely! Tips below for bringing your age 5+ kids to see this stunningly beautiful show!

By Meredith Kurnov, Editor & Publisher of Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW April 19, 2022

If you're anything like me, you have been eagerly waiting for the right moment to take your kid to their first Broadway show, or perhaps just waiting to bring your kid back to the world of live performance in a "post"-COVID world. Wait no further, book some tickets to this visual delight for humans of all ages 5 and up at the Broadway Theatre!




With themes of loneliness, love, childhood, and what really matters in life, the show – and book – offer a wonderful opportunity for discussion with your child. The show holds your attention throughout as its French-accented narrator (and co-director), the only speaking role in the show, shares lines on behalf of on-stage characters. My five-year-old seemed to get a bit antsy in the last few moments of Act 1, but her attention was otherwise rapt. While staying true to the story, the show blends dance, music, video, and impressive aerial acrobatics, not all that different from a Cirque du Soleil show. Of several memorable scenes, my favorite is a dance between The Little Prince and his "rose" in Act 1 in which their fast-paced movements gracefully float together. But you wouldn't want to miss the dramatic end of the show! My daughter's favorite part was the post-curtain-call act of acrobatics suspending a character directly above the audience followed by a downpour of heart-shaped petals from the ceiling. 

Tips before you go:

  • While you could simply appreciate the abstract beauty of the dancers and acrobatics in their own right, the show begs for its audience to be familiar with the story and its characters in advance. I was glad I brushed up on the storyline and shared the key points with my 5-year-old. If you and your kids have time to read the book, that's a best-case scenario! Backup: watch the well-reviewed 2016 film by Paramount (1h50mins). In a pinch, I found this kid-friendly 7-minute story recap video, Sparknotes book summary, and character list very helpful!
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  • If this is your child's first Broadway show, ask the theatre for a set of "My First Broadway Show" stickers. They are adorable and intended to be worn and placed on the show's Playbill as a keepsake.
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  • The evening audience had relatively few kids, this is decidedly a more mature show despite its whimsy. (Though I'd expect more kids in attendance for the matinees.) Be prepared to have some seasoned theatergoers shush you if you attempt to whisper in-the-moment explanations to your kiddo. I ultimately told my daughter that I would explain later and the intermission gave us a great opportunity to discuss what was happening, and what to expect in Act 2.
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  • With that said, there are subtitle screens on both sides of the theater which are helpful when the narrator occasionally switches to French. I would think anyone would forgive a whispered translation for less-than-confident readers!
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  • Be prepared to let shorter kiddos sit on your lap so they can see the action.
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  • As of now, NYC theaters are still requiring proof of vaccine and ID at the door and requiring masks remain on at all times.
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  • Eating is not permitted in the theater and snacks are not sold at the bar. Don't come hungry. We tried to snag a table before the show at nearby Ellen's Stardust Diner, but the popular tourist stop featuring singing waitresses had a line around the corner – on a Tuesday. The almost empty 2nd floor of Applebee's overlooking Broadway and their kids menu were perfect for a no-frills, pre-show bite. (And my kid might have discreetly had a bite of leftovers at intermission...)
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  • The basement coat check is cash only.

Enjoy 30% off the first five weeks of performances (Through May 1) with this exclusive fan ticket code: LPFAN304. Enjoy the show!




From the press release:

"Following sold-out runs in Paris, Sydney, and Dubai, The Little Prince, one of the best-selling and most translated books ever published, comes home to New York in a new stage production filled with theatrical spectacle, dance, aerial acrobatics, and ground-breaking video mapping technology that brings the classic adventure story loved by generations to life.

Arriving in New York City on the cusp of World War II, the exiled French author and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry wrote and illustrated The Little Prince in 1942 while residing between a Manhattan townhouse and the historic Delamater-Bevin Mansion on the north shore of Long Island. The now classic was first published in the United States in 1943.

Generations around the world love The Little Prince. The international book phenomenon has sold a stunning 200 million copies, becoming the second most translated book in modern history in 250 languages. Now The Little Prince comes to life in a magical first-class theatre spectacular live on stage. Experience a constellation of compelling characters and colorful costumes. Leap into a vivid universe of dance, music, projections, and acrobatics. Immerse yourself in a uniquely innovative international stage production that will capture your heart and challenge your imagination."

Location
Broadway Theatre: 1681 Broadway at 53rd Street

Run Time
The Little Prince runs approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, including an intermission. *Note

Age Restrictions
The show is recommended for ages 5 and up. Guests under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theater.

Performance Schedule (the show will close August 14th)
Tuesday-Thursday at 7 pm; Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; Sunday at 6:30 pm; Matinees on Saturday at 2 pm and Sunday at 1 pm.

Ticket Information
Enjoy 30% off the first five weeks of performances (Through May 1) with this exclusive fan ticket code: LPFAN304.
Tickets for The Little Prince are on sale now at TheLittlePrinceBroadway.com and Telecharge.com and by phone at 212-239-6200.
Tickets are also available in person at the Broadway Theatre box office (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street). Box office hours are Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am-8:30 pm and Sunday from 12:00-6:30 pm. On Sunday matinee performance days, the box office will open at 11:00 am. On Sunday evening performance days, the box office will close 30 minutes after curtain.

Health & Safety Information
For COVID-19 protocols and ticketing policies for The Little Prince on Broadway, please visit https://shubert.nyc/about-us/covid-19/.

This article was first published on Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW