WITH so many marquees gone dark lately, Broadway’s a bleaker place. So it’s cheering to see a bunch of kids’ shows come to town.
It’s even nicer to be able to see a live show for about what you’d pay to see a movie. Even if you’re planning to splurge and take the peanut gallery to the big time – Broadway! – consider these shows a dress rehearsal.
The New Victory Theater – with its free lockers, capacious lobby, healthful snacks and savvy young ushers – is always a great place to start. Its new “Jason and the Argonauts” features two wild and crazy guys from Scotland who use action figures and their own agile selves to re-create Jason’s search for the Golden Fleece. Along the way, they brave sea monsters, harpies and assorted other villains.
The word from the UK (two words, actually): “Totally brilliant.”
Best for ages 8 to adult, “Jason” plays at 2 and 7 p.m. today, noon and 5 p.m. tomorrow and other times through Feb. 1. For tickets ($12.50 to $35), visit newvictory.org or hit the box office at 229 W. 42nd St., just west of Broadway. You can even phone: 646-223-3010.
Two other wild and crazy guys take the stage in “A Year With Frog and Toad,” an Atlantic for Kids production. Based on Arnold Lobel’s sweet series about an odd couple of amphibians – worrywart toad, perky frog – the show has the two leaping through each season before settling down to hibernate. The tuneful score is by Robert Reale, with book and lyrics by Willie Reale.
Showtime is 10:30 a.m. today and every Saturday and Sunday through March 1 at the cozy Atlantic Theater Company, a converted parish house at 336 W. 20th St., between Eighth and Ninth avenues. Recommended ages: 3 and over. For tickets ($10 for kids, $15 for adults), call 646-216-1190 or visit atlantictheater.org.
Imagine a kids’ show performed by actual kids. That’s part of the allure of TADA! Youth Theater, where the thespians range from 8 to 18 (and have yet to mature into full-grown divas).
The troupe’s kicking off its season with “Golly Gee Whiz,” a musical in the “Let’s put on a show!” spirit of those classic Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney flicks.
The story’s set in 1939 in the town of Happyville, which has fallen on tough times. Sound familiar?
Today at 11 a.m., the troupe is having a “Gollywood premiere,” complete with red carpet, refreshments, goodie bags and a chance to pose for the paparazzi. All tickets are $30.
Other performances through Feb. 15 cost as little as $8 a ticket. For more information, visit tadatheater.com or call 212- 252-1619. The theater is at 15 W. 28th St., second floor, between Broadway and Fifth Avenue.