One of the greatest things about raising kids in NYC is that we can expose them to amazing cultural experiences from an early age... and the minimum seems to get younger every year. My nine-year-old saw his first live performance on his second birthday, but his younger sisters, ages 5 and 1, have been regular theatergoers since before they could even walk! At every show, I'm always conflicted: Should I watch what's on stage, or the sense of wonder on their faces? My kids' reactions alone are worth the price of admission, but the benefits extend beyond the show as they learn how to behave at and, more importantly, enjoy live theater.
As part of its current season, our partner, the New Victory Theater, is presenting three shows aimed specifically at very young audiences: Minimón (ages 1 to 4, which I just saw this past weekend with my family), Paper Planet (ages 2 and up) and Babble (ages 4 to 18 months). Unlike the New Vic's main stage productions, these theatrical experiences are presented in a more intimate setting, are completely interactive and have brief running times. They're an ideal way to introduce your baby or toddler to the magic of live entertainment without worrying about tantrums or crazy ticket prices.