I love going to the theater, settling comfortably into my plush seat and waiting for the lights to go down with anticipation. This past weekend I sat in the theater not only as a spectator but also as part of an interactive show; my daughter and I saw a production of Oscar Wilde’s The Young King at the New Victory Theater and it was definitely a unique experience we will never forget! Don’t Miss: The Young King – An Interactive Show at The New Victory Theater
Before the show begins, as you first enter the theater’s lobby, you receive a card that tells you what part of the country you are from (north, south, east or west). The idea is that the everyone in the audience is a guest at the king’s coronation ceremony. The audience is then taken, in small groups, behind the stage to prepare for the coronation and finally ends up at the theater itself. The entire process of preparing for the coronation was especially fun for my daughter because she felt like she was a part of the show. I also loved seeing the backstage of the theater, which was built in 1900! We proceeded to sit at the orchestra in the first row. (Orchestra tickets allow you to sit anywhere you like in the theater. Onstage tickets, which cost a little more, allow you to sit on the stage, on chairs.)
The show begins when everyone has arrived after the preparations so no one misses anything. On the stage is the young king, played by Tim Overton, and another performer – Jacqy Phillips, who plays several characters in the story. Also on stage is pianist Quincy Grant, who also composed the beautiful music that goes along with the show. The performers tell the story not only by acting but also with the use of shadows, puppets, and other objects. The show, directed by Andy Packer, was created by Slingsby, a theater company from Adelaide, Australia.
The performance is 80 minutes long with no intermission and recommended for kids ages 8 and up. My ten-year-old understood everything that was going on but I think a younger child should definitely familiarize herself with the plot beforehand. She can read a short summary online before the show just to get the basic idea or click here for a short synopsis. Although the story is easy to follow, some of the language is a bit complex for kids. Playwright Nicki Bloom kept a good amount of Wilde’s language so some of the words may be over the kids’ heads and it’s important to make sure they understand what is happening.
This unique and inventive show really makes you feel like you are part of what’s going on. Together with a thought-provoking story, it’s hands-down an irresistible combination. While the show is not preachy in any way, it does instill an important lesson that the audience will think about long after the show is over.
When: 10/20/17 at 7pm
10/21/17 at 11am, 3pm & 7pm
10/22/17 11am & 3pm
Where: 209 West 42nd Street, (btwn 7 & 8 Ave.)
Price: $28 and up
To purchase tickets click here or call (646) 223-3010.
The New Victory Theater is undergoing a major renovation; the main lobby downstairs will open December 1st. Until then, the concession stand will remain closed but water and snacks are available free of charge.
Photos courtesy of The New Victory Theater, credit: Andy Rasheed
I was not compensated for this post. I received tickets to the show.
Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in the New York City area for seventeen 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 10, 8 and 5) and loves finding great products for her family.
