I didn’t know that seeing SIX on Broadway was going to shift my kiddo into being musical theater obsessed, but it happened. Before we got tickets to SIX I wasn’t sure if it would be kid appropriate or if the style of the show would be interesting to him, but we went for it anyway and it was awesome. This was such an unusual show and is the current favorite (2025) in our house. If you’re unsure whether or not SIX on Broadway is a good idea for your visit to NYC, don’t worry, we’ve got the full details.
Have you already seen SIX or are you considering seeing it with kids? There are some things to know before you plan it, but I think we’ll be able to answer all your questions. If we miss anything or you have more to add, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help others plan a great trip to NYC.
Highlights of Seeing SIX on Broadway
Before I get too much into what made SIX on Broadway such a great experience, you need to know how the show is set up. The Lena Horne Theater is a much more intimate space than the Gershwin (Wicked) or Minskoff (Lion King) Theaters, so automatically you’re much closer to the stage that you expect. It’s almost as intimate as seeing Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theater. This is great because it’s not a mega-show with a huge company, but just the band and the six women in the cast. They are performing a concert for the audience, telling stories but not like you might expect… No spoilers.
As a history loving family, seeing SIX on Broadway was a really cool way to see historic figures playing out their roles in front of us. I saw SIX with my ten year old, so before going to the show we talked about Henry the VIII and his wives, including some of actual history that might have come into the story when the show started.
I’ll tell you now, if you’re seeing SIX on Broadway with or without kids, it’s helpful to learn a little about Henry VIII and his six wives so that you can follow along with the stories a little more easily. If you don’t know anything or don’t learn a little beforehand, you’ll be fine as the exposition of their songs lays out everything in the most fun way, but if you can prep for the show a little you’ll connect with the characters better.
Get SIX on Broadway NYC tickets here!
What makes SIX on Broadway an Unusual Show?
If you’ve seen clips or photos from SIX, you’ll notice that there are microphones on stage, held in the hands of the performers. This may seem strange, but I promise it adds to the performances. Another thing that’s unique is the band being on stage throughout the whole performance. Again, this absolutely adds to the show. The last thing I want to call out as being truly unique is the music itself. Wow. It’s a freaking concert with different musical styles and powerhouse vocals. This is one of the things that makes it a good show with kids.
Who will enjoy seeing SIX?
If you’re doing NYC with a teenager, SIX is my top pick for a show to take them to. It’s fun, top quality, not too long, unique and checks a lot of boxes for style and engagement that teens will like. It’s also good with older young kids, I would say 8 and up, as any of the jokes or lyrics that are adult themed are done in a way that you have to be a sly adult to pick up on them for the most part. I even think a conservative minded adult will enjoy seeing SIX on Broadway. The way the subject matter of adultery, physical/sexual aggression towards women, death and murder and all done in a serious, yet not obvious way.
Tips for Having the Best SIX Broadway Experience
Like I said, learning a little bit before you see SIX on Broadway is a good idea, but it’s not necessary. If you didn’t get the chance, your Playbill has some good info in it so read through the history before the show begins. I think the fun of SIX on Broadway is hearing the history put into modern terms, especially regarding how women were / are treated. This is the part where it could be a conversation afterwards regarding adult themes. The lyrics of the songs and the play itself aren’t obvious to younger audience members, but teens and adults will likely pick up on some of the lines from different songs.
Now, I’m not saying the the whole show of SIX if full of double entendre, but just that there is some clever writing to ensure the story is communicated with relevant details. Oh yeah, another key thing to know before you sit down for SIX on Broadway is that there is no intermission. You still get a full show at 90 minutes long, but there is no break in the action. If you need to pee you need to do it before the show begins. They’ll even let you know before the show starts that if you get to while it’s going you may be held from returning to you seat for some time, so best not to get up. In light of that, don’t drink a lot of anything before the show.
Need to Know before Arriving to SIX on Broadway
There is a concession stand in the lobby and balcony area of the Lena Horne Theater, so you’ll be able to get snacks and beverages before the show. There is not intermission though, so if you want something you need to get it before the show begins. You’re not supposed to bring in your own snacks, but… some people do. If you’re having a snack during the show, please try to be quiet with it.
Since it’s a fairly small theater, during SIX the temperature does tend to go up a bit in the theater. It doesn’t get uncomfortable, but it definitely is warmer than other theaters, such as the Lyric Theater where Harry Potter and the Cursed Child plays. Dress to be able to remove a layer midway through the show.
SPOILERS: What I LOVED about Seeing SIX on Broadway with my 10 Year Old
Watching your kids get excited and engaged with anything is always a highlight as a parent, and SIX provided that experience for us from start to finish. Since neither of us had seen the show or heard the music before seeing it on Broadway, it was fully a surprise for us from start to finish. We had talked about the storylines and characters in advance, so as the show progressed he very quietly checked in with me to confirm that he understood what was going on with whom. His favorite character was Anne Boleyn, both for her humor and her main song.
My favorite scene or number was Catherine Howard’s song, All You Wanna Do. At first I thought it was fun and catchy, and then as you think about it as a fellow human and as an adult, you realize how intense of a song and how horrible of a situation it was that she sings about. I think this song really brings the drama and disgust of the times front and center, and if you’re not paying attention or if you’re a kid, it just sails by and sounds great. I think this song showcases why SIX is such a good, meaningful show.
Get SIX on Broadway NYC tickets here!
More NYC Fun With Kids
I used to not like going to New York City at all… and then I started bringing my kids when I had to travel to NYC for work and I love it. There is no shame in having a stereotypical New York trip with kids, whether you’re seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway or you’re visiting Times Square at night to see the craziness, it’s all fun. Here are our top picks for activities with kids when you’re in NYC, and a few of them really add to the fun of being in such a big city.
- do the Empire State Building experience (it’s much more than just going up to the Observation Deck)
- visit the Harry Potter New York Store – it’s shopping, photo ops, Butterbeer and magical fun)
- have a meal at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – live singing all through the restaurant
- go out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
- check out the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian (I love this place)
- take the kids to the Nintendo and Lego stores
- do the Museum of Modern Art (better with kids than the Met)
- enjoy the Museum of Natural History and Central Park
If you do half of these activities paired with an awesome Broadway show like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child you’ll have a great trip to New York City with kids. For more ideas and suggestions for visiting NYC with older kids, check out our article about NYC with a Preteen. Lot’s of insights into what makes a trip with older kids fun.
Other Kid-friendly Broadway Shows to Consider
Not all Broadway shows are as kid-friendly as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, but there are some good ones… and we’ve seen them so we can share our opinions with you! Like with anything in life, you know your kids best and know what they’ll be into and down for. When it comes to choosing a Broadway show to see with kids, try to think about these three things:
- Appropriateness – every kid has a different level of maturity and every household has a different level of joking / age-appropriate comedy. Read up on a show to gauge the level of adult content before planning to take kids to it.
- Consider the timing of a show – afternoon shows are great with kids and you’ll often see more families at these shows. If you’re concerned about your kids talking in the theater and such, look for an afternoon show when other families may be in attendance too.
- Visual – kids love bright, fun shows with catchy songs and cool effects. Drab, moody shows aren’t great with kids (or me), but fun, upbeat, colorful shows are sure to keep kids’ attention.
If you’re concerned that there may be too much adult content in a Broadway show, because there often is, these shows are solid choices to see with kids and if they aren’t on Broadway in NYC at the moment, you may be able to see them as they tour. Touring productions are just as skillful, but may be slightly less grand than productions in residence due to the need to be flexible.
- any Disney Broadway show – Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Frozen, Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins
- Christmas productions – Elf, White Christmas, A Christmas Story
- Classic Shows – Cinderella, Oklahoma, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Anything Goes, Music Man…
If you have any questions about seeing SIX on Broadway, other shows or putting together your ideal NYC plan for your family, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and love to help other have amazing adventure
