Take the kids to Buena Vista Social Club?

I can’t remember a time I felt so much audience energy. The Buena Vista Social Club has struck a chord. Why? People love the music and also there’s representation on that stage that’s not always there. Cubans and other Latinos are coming to hear their music and see their story up on stage. And they’re loving it. And should you take the kids to Buena Vista Social Club? Read on.

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Sunset Boulevard With Kids

I went into Sunset Boulevard cold. My husband saw it in the West End 30 years ago with Patty LuPone. I didn’t know the story, and I only knew a little of the music. While he was eager to tell me about the differences between the shows at intermission (and after), he didn’t need to tell me much. The staging, which I knew ahead of time was different, was totally obvious.

Should you see Sunset Boulevard with kids? I’ll share more at the end.

Read on only if you don’t mind spoilers.

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Review: The Civilian Hotel and Bars

It’s time for a staycation! I’ve been to the Civilian Hotel numerous times for drinks in two of its fabulous bars, but we wanted to stay here as well. This stylized Broadway theater district hotel plays on that strength (see bars, later). But you just feel like a hip, trendy person when you go there. When you walk into the hotel, there are 2 desks down the hall – one is for dining/bar reservations (I think) and one is for hotel check-in. It was the smallest reception desk I’ve seen in my life, but it worked perfectly well and you can leave your luggage with them there if you need as well.

Cozy room at the Civilian Hotel. By Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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Is Cabaret on Broadway appropriate for kids?

It’s a little intimidating (okay, a lot) to review a classic show that’s been on Broadway before, and was also a classic movie. I’m talking about Cabaret. I can’t really say if I had seen it before, yet I know so much of the music without having bought the album, CD or mp3s.

Is Cabaret on Broadway appropriate for kids? We’ll get to that later on. But let me start by saying I’ve seen a lot of Broadway shows in my life. And I have never received as many emails before the show as I did with Cabaret.

Entering Cabaret on Broadway. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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Is Water for Elephants appropriate for kids?

I read Water for Elephants many many years back and enjoyed it. I didn’t see the movie. I couldn’t even remember precisely what happened in the book, other than a guy joins the circus and there’s a love triangle. So if you ask me whether it follows the book, I think it did. But that’s only from memory. Is Water for Elephants appropriate for kids? We’ll get into that later.

Enjoy the posters around the stage at Water for Elephants. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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Museum of Broadway With Kids

You know you’re going to a museum about Broadway when you have to buy your ticket through Telecharge, and you pay a $4 service charge plus tax for the privilege! That said, I’ve wanted to go since I heard this was opening. I brought a friend who grew up in the area and is a huge Broadway fan, with stories going back decades. Should you visit the Museum of Broadway with kids? Read on.

The Museum of Broadway opened in November 2022, and it is on 45th Street, just off Times Square. It’s across the street from RISE, another newcomer to the tourist scene.

The Museum of Broadway on 45th Street, at Times Square. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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Review: Mr. Saturday Night, Birthday Candles, Girl From the North Country and American Buffalo on Broadway – Good for Kids?

I’ve been seeing a lot of Broadway shows lately. It’s good to be back! So the big question is, are these Broadway shows good for kids?

Mr. Saturday Night on Broadway. Copyright Deborah Abrams Kaplan
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