This picture pretty much sums up the energy level in the Dress Circle of the Oriental Theatre this week. While I wasn't able to get a photo of five kids sitting still, smiling and looking at the camera, I can't imagine capturing a better moment than this one right here. Here you have five friends, one who is trying his best to show good behavior through a forced smile. Another is unable to contain his joy, while their friend is hiding her giggles behind a program. And at the end, you have the oldest, and youngest, of the group - natural, relaxed and ready for the show.
We made it to our seats with the help of Theodore the usher. He pointed out everything we needed to know, like the bathrooms, the candy counters, and the location of the bar. The kids filed into their seats, and as I snapped this picture I thought to myself, "Gee, this is easy!" Then the chatter began, the giggles got louder and the people in front of us started to look over their shoulders at the joyful little noisemakers. That is when I decided to share a few tips for surviving the theater with kids.
1) Know the show before you go.
We saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which was a story already familiar to all of us. When children understand the story there will be fewer questions whispered during the performance. Each show will also have their own website, and social media pages, loaded with information and FAQs. These are great places to find information regarding age recommendations or special effects that may cause concern, such as darkness, loud noises or bright lighting effects.
2) Get to know your venue too
It pays to do your research on the location of the show. Every theater is different and has characteristics that can affect your comfort and enjoyment. Before you drop a significant amount of money on tickets, use reviews and websites (like this one) to determine if you will have a good view from your seat. Columns, pillars, balconies, and railings can potentially block a portion of the stage.
3) Timing is everything
I don't think I have ever been to a Broadway show under two and a half hours. That can be a long time for an adult, so naturally, that can feel like FOREVER to a kid. Don't get there too early, you need just enough time to use the restroom and get to your seats. During intermission get up out of your seat and get some wiggles out of the way. We discovered that down a couple flights of stairs there was a cute backdrop for some photos (and flossing) during the intermission. Too much idle time can crush a kid's abilitiy to pay attention and enjoy the show.
4) Get the booster seats
Most theatres have a limited supply of boosters available at their Coat Check. We had five children, all of various heights, and every one of them needed the help of an extra cushion to see better.
5) Make it a special event
We invited great friends, changed out of our school clothes and made it a special night for moms and their children. Everyone got a treat to eat during the show and we allowed the kids to sit together. For a group of kids, who are usually asleep before the first act ended, it was also a fun treat to be out in the city at night. To see the lights on the buildings and the other people out and about. My son commented multiple times that he "had no idea so much was happening at bedtime!". Remember to tell your children that it is a special night for you too!
I hope these help you enjoy a future trip to the theater with your family. Chicago has so many great options, from local theater groups to Broadway tours and the holiday season brings a lot of great stories to the city. Oh, and those fellow theater goers who were shooting looks at the joyful row of kids behind them? Don't worry about them. Once the house lights go down and the stage lights up everyone will be mesmerized by the show.
