Confessions of an IT Girl

Living so close to NYC, we are awash in opportunities to avail ourselves of some culture.  Yet, talking to friends and other parents, I am surprised by how infrequently we actually do.  My first job in the city was in an office building on Broadway.  Being a single girl in the city, I went to shows all the time, never once paying full price.  Sometimes,  I would get on the TKTS line in Times Square and pick up a same day ticket.  Other times I would pop over on my lunch break to the box office of a show I really wanted to see in case there were any returns or low-priced rush tickets.  I even did standing room a few times, most notably to catch Tyne Daly in “Gypsy” – a performance I will never forget not just because of how tired I was at the end from standing,  but also because Tyne made her entrance as “Mama Rose” from the back of the theater right next to me, causing me to jump 10 feet when she screamed “SING OUT JUNE!” practically into my ear.  I loved looking in the section of the Playbill for “How Many of These Shows Have You Seen?” and realizing I had seen way more than I thought.

It’s something that I thought a lot about when I had kids.  I wanted to make sure I took advantage of as many chances to see live theater whenever feasible.  With feasible meaning that which justified the time and cost expended.  The memories made in the theater are something you remember for a lifetime, Tyne Daly or not.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re certainly not heading to Broadway every week, sitting in $100 seats taking in the latest and greatest.  Because we’re a city of so much theater, there are so many opportunities.  Since Soccer Girl has been bitten by the acting bug, it’s even more important to expose her to live theater, to help hone her craft and inspire her.

If you have your heart set on seeing a Broadway show, check out the discounts offered by Kids Night on Broadway.  Once a year (sometimes more) they offer “buy one adult ticket, get one kid ticket free” to a huge variety of productions.  That’s how we saw “Wicked” 2 years ago.  Great seats, and let me tell you, that’s the only time you’re going to see a discount on that blockbuster!  KNOB is next month, so many shows are already sold out, but there are some good ones available.  Soccer Girl and I will be taking in “Anything Goes” – a classic musical with talented leads.  They also offer discounts on dining at selected location, so you can have a pre-theater meal for less.  Sign up for their mailing list to get the skinny on next year’s KNOB as soon as it’s announced.

How about something a little off the Broadway path?  This is NYC people, and everywhere you turn, you have the opportunity to catch great performances at all price ranges.  Later this month, we’re going to see Freckleface: The Musical.  Based on the books by Julianne Moore, Freckleface tells the story of a beautiful girl who has freckles and has to deal with the teasing that comes along with it.  It brings home messages about acceptance (learn to love the skin you are in!) and the power of friendship, and is great for kids of all ages.    I watched the videos for the show on the production’s web site and I was blown away by the energy and enthusiasm of the cast.  I could totally see Girl loving this show, while picturing herself onstage singing and dancing in the cast!  Tickets range from $45 to $85 for premium “in the classroom” seating, making it a night out that doesn’t break the bank.  Definitely check the web site for performance times – at this writing, it’s Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00pm & 3:00pm.

For a low-cost and hyper-local experience, check out one of the kids theater groups in your area.  Near me, there are at least 10 that I can think of 5 right off the top of my head, and probably more than I realize.  Take Random Farms - they put on several productions a season, featuring high-quality talent from all around Westchester and beyond.  Last year, Girl performed in “Guys and Dolls”, and before that she was the tallest orphan ever in ”Annie”.  Shows are at real local theaters like Yorktown Stage and Tarrytown Music Hall and tickets are generally under $10.  You don’t have to have a kid in the show to come, and it’s a great way to aquaint kids with what the art of the theater possible is.

These are just a few ways to have a great experience by seeing a show at a price that works for you.   I’d love it if you could share some of the ways you have made theater possible for your family in the comments below.

Disclosure: I was offered the chance by MamaDrama NY to see “Freckleface Strawberry” – I received no other compensation from them other than the tickets and I was not asked to write anything – all opinions are my own.  If you are interested in seeing “Freckleface Strawberry”, you can receive a discount courtesy of MamaDrama NY.  Use code MAMADRAMA at the box office or by phone to receive $40 tickets, or use this link: http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=MAMADRAMA