New Victory Theater: Best Family Shows for 2017-18 Season

10/2/17 - By Sonia Gonzalez

The New Victory Theater enters its 22nd season with a full lineup of awe-inspiring and affordable performances for all ages. In addition to its incredible shows, the award-winning theater helps foster a lifelong love of the stage by offering a range of educational programming from hands-on workshops, to performances tailored for audiences with special needs, and interactive pre- and post-show activities.

Mommy Poppins is partnering with the New Victory for the fifth straight year, starting with a preview of the 2017-2018 season, which includes recommendations for every age and the best way to save on tickets.

There are 15 shows playing during the New Victory's 2017-18 season, including productions from across the globe, three world premieres, and five US premieres. Among its productions, the New Victory will also feature seven American companies as it celebrates creative works crafted here in the US. As in years past, the shows represent a wide range of genres from puppetry and drama to circus and magic.

It's also worth noting that the theater is in the midst of renovations designed to further enhance your visit. In October, the new downstairs LuEsther's Lobby will feature modernized amenities, including new lockers—still free!— and new bathrooms, plus an updated merchandise stand. If you're a regular at the theater, expect an entirely new look and feel to the space. By year's end, the New Victory will unveil the Jack and Lew Rudin Lobby which will include a brand new cafe offering snacks and treats for the whole family.

While all of the shows at the New Victory are designed specifically for children and families, different shows target different age groups and interests. If you follow the recommendations below, you should have no trouble finding a great match for your kids in the next few months. So make a night (or a day) of it, with a fun-for-the-family performance, a bite to eat, and some out-of-the-box Times Square attractions, too!

Best Bets for Toddlers

Marmalade: Photo by Mats Asman courtesy of The New Victory Theater

Marmalade (At the New 42nd Street Studios at 229 West 42nd Street)
Friday, November 10–Sunday, November 19
Ages 1.5-4
The very youngest theatergoers will delight in this “gentle circus for the senses.” Incorporating colorful design, dance, juggling, and textured props designed for guests to interact with, Sweden's Claire Parsons Co. dance company presents a fully immersive, multi-sensory experience for toddlers.

A Sick Day for Morris McGee (At the New 42nd Street Studios at 229 West 42nd Street)
Saturday, January 13–Sunday, January 28, 2018
Ages 2-5
How I wish my children were toddlers again, if only so I could whisk them off to see this reimagined telling of one of their favorite books, Caldecott Medal-winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead. Using two-dimensional, tabletop puppetry and original music, a single puppeteer from Israel's renowned Train Theater narrates the classic tale and breathes life into the beloved characters.
 

Best Bets for Elementary School Kids

The Young King: Photo by Andy Rasheed courtesy of The New Victory Theater

The Young King
Friday, October 13–Sunday, October 22
Ages 8 and older
Kicking off the season is a production inspired by Oscar Wilde's short story The Young King. This immersive show invites audience members to be part of the performance using interactive stagecraft, along with live music and puppetry, to tell the tale of a newly crowned king.

Pss Pss
Saturday, May 19–Sunday, May 20, 2018
Ages 4 and up
Inspired by the slapstick comedy of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and other silent film stars, follow this hilarious acrobatic duo from Switzerland's Compagnia Baccalà as they fumble and stumble, squabble and snicker through a delightful full-length performance that the whole family can enjoy—all without uttering a word!

Best Bets for Tweens

Bromance: Photo by Chris Nash courtesy of The New Victory Theater

Bromance
Friday, February 9–Sunday, February 25, 2018
Ages 7 and up
A trio of gravity defying acrobats take to the stage drawing on their talents in parkour, Tae Kwon Do, and breakdancing while incorporating only a Cyr wheel to wow audiences with stunning feats and daring tricks.

Shakespeare's Long Lost First Play (Abridged)
Friday, March 2–Sunday, March 11, 2018
Ages 10 and up
This fast-paced, comedy-filled satirical show may be hard for younger kids to follow, but tweens and teens will love the bawdy humor, outlandish scenarios, and rapid-fire antics in this mash-up of Shakespeare's 39 works.

Best Bets for the Family

The Migration: Photo by William Perrigen courtesy of The New Victory Theater

The Migration
Friday, November 10–Sunday, November 26
Ages 7 and up
Jacob Lawrence's The Migration Series is a powerful collection of paintings detailing the journey of millions of African Americans that migrated from the rural South to the urban North. With projections of the celebrated paintings incorporated into the set, Step Afrika! brilliantly celebrates the series with a joyful performance that incorporates stepping, dance, live singing, and percussion.

Jason Bishop: Believe in Magic
Friday, December 1–Saturday, December 30, 2017
Ages 6 and up
My family missed Jason Bishop's performance at the New Victory last year so we're thrilled to hear he's back with an all-new show—what a treat for the holiday season! The illusionist once again wows audiences with his astonishing tricks and wry humor.

This season, most tickets range from $16 for balcony seats to $38 to sit right in the orchestra, although there are some exceptions for certain shows. If you're looking to save on tickets, become a New Victory member by simply purchasing tickets for three or more shows. From then on, you'll save 35% on tickets, get 30% off all workshops, and enjoy free date changes (which is extra handy when you're a parent).

For more details on the 2017-18 Season, and to view showtimes and buy tickets, visit the New Victory Theater's website.

Top photo: A Sick Day for Morris McGee: Photo by Dor Kedmi courtesy of The New Victory Theater

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