When you live in NYC going to see musicals is not only part of the culture; it’s also a rite of passage. There are several musicals that are appropriate for kids ages 4 or 6 and up but between us, how many four-year-olds could really sit through a two-and-a-half hour long performance? Mr. Popper’s Penguins, now playing at The New Victory Theater, is a mini-musical that’s short and perfect for introducing young kids to musicals.
Based on the Newbery Medal-winner book by Richard and Florence Atwater, Mr. Popper’s Penguins tells the story of a bored painter who dreams of traveling to Antarctica. When he receives a penguin for a pet as a gift his entire life changes. Clocking in at 55 minutes, the show is perfectly suited for four-year-olds and up. Older kids, ages 8 or 9, will also find it amusing.
The show has all the elements of a full-length musical and an opportunity for the performers to showcase their talent, especially Roxanne Palmer, who plays Mrs. Popper. The musical numbers perfectly match the story and atmosphere and the penguin puppets are absolutely adorable. My seven-year-old has read the book so he was familiar with the story, but the plot is pretty simple, even for a young child. We both adored the show and after seeing it I kind of wish it was a little longer!
The New Victory Theater is very family-friendly. There’s booster seats, free lockers, stroller parking and fun show-related hands-on activities before and after the show and during intermission.
When: 10/22/16 – 11am, 3pm & 7pm
10/23/16 – 11am & 3pm
10/29/16 – 11am & 3pm
10/30/16 – 11am & 3pm
Where: The New Victory Theater
209 West 42nd Street, NYC
Price: $25 and up.
To purchase tickets click here or call (646) 223-3010. You can also purchase at the box office, open seven days a week.
Photos by Helen Murray
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets to the show.
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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for fourteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 9, 7 and 4) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.
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