Area high schools with good theater performances for kids?

Submitted by ribi305 t3_123p83g in boston

We have young kids and I want to take them to more musicals. We do some shows at the Wheelock Children's Theater (fabulous!) and might take them to Broadway in Boston as they get older, but I'm thinking that some local high schools probably put on great musicals that kids would enjoy (and that don't cost $100+ per ticket!). Any recommendations on towns with good high school theater performances? I could guess a lot of the typical posh towns, but would rather get actual recommendations!

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RealKenny t1_jdvm3ce wrote

I guess I can't say right now, but Brookline and Newton have both traditionally been fantastic. Both have produced Broadway - and sitcom - starts relatively recently

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ComprehensiveRain527 t1_jdw2nj1 wrote

Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick puts on amazing shows. We go every year because these kids are so talented and the shows are almost professional. No other high school shows we’ve seen have been remotely close. Their spring show this year is Mean Girls.

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ribi305 OP t1_je34oif wrote

Thanks, this looks great! Mean Girls is too mature for our kids but I love the music so I might go see it

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mjc25 t1_jdvvg3f wrote

Acton-Boxborough high school!

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notswasson t1_jdvnt9o wrote

So, I can't really speak to the schools, but if you don't mind the drive to Providence, the Providence Performing Arts Center has Broadway Tour seasons and the tickets are super reasonable (like a whole season for the cost of a single Boston show).

Frozen and How the Grinch stole Christmas are there next year and should be kid appropriate

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tarandab t1_jdw3kog wrote

I’d also consider the Hanover Theatre in Worcester - also does Broadway tours. I just went there for Mean Girls in the fall because the tour hit Worcester and Providence but not Boston

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notswasson t1_jdx59bo wrote

Nice. I didn't know that was a thing. Have to keep that in mind

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ribi305 OP t1_jdvpdb6 wrote

Good tip! I was about to buy Beetlejuice tickets in Boston for myself but might do this instead. Looks like I can get like 4th row seats there for the same price as 2nd mezzanine in Boston!

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mzwestern t1_jdwp1mv wrote

Concord-Carlisle and Acton-Boxborough both have excellent theater programs. Acton-Boxborough's musical was done in the fall, but CC is doing Into the Woods in May.

I also suggest looking at community theater. Theatre III in Acton is producing Matilda, the Musical, opening May 5 for 3 weekends. Concord Players is producing Little Women, opening April 28 for 3 weekends. Open Door Theatre in Acton is producing SpongeBob, the Musical, closing April 2nd

Other community theaters to look at: Arlington Friends of the Drama, Footlights Club, Cannon Players, Theatre Company of Saugus, Needham Community Theatre, Belmont Dramatic Club .... I know I've skipped a lot. The area is rich in community theater.

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slouchingtoepiphany t1_jdxp0yl wrote

Cheers for all those mentioned. My daughter graduated from A-B but while she was a student she participated in HS, Open Door, and Theatre III productions. And I, as a devoted Dad, worked on the props and scenery for everything that she was in. All these organizations provide great experiences for kids (and their parents).

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luna_wildflower003 t1_jdvou3y wrote

you can also check Berklee's theater schedule. They do a lot of performances that are pretty affordable $25-40 ticket range.

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skyrblue_and_iamtoo t1_jdw0z4k wrote

Brockton high school drama club puts on there spring performance May 12th-14th. This year's show is "Mama Mia!". Last year, I took my kids to see their production of "Hello Dolly!" And it was fantastic, they were singing the songs for weeks.

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bookandbark t1_jdwff6j wrote

I was in the Somerville High School theatre troupe and while they're not often, we had some really great musicals!

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wish-onastar t1_jdy5ezc wrote

Boston Arts Academy just performed Shrek; I highly recommend them.

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nicecupoftea02116 t1_jdvno91 wrote

Check out Riverside Theatreworks in Hyde Park. Community theatre, not a school. But they have junior productions throughout the year.

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peakeenbean t1_jdw4jj3 wrote

+1, just saw Matilda there last month, it was cute! Next round of shows in April but don’t know the play

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ftmthrow t1_jdvphko wrote

There was some regional youth theater in the Needham/Newton area ~15 years ago, anyone know of it or know if it’s still around? In high school I dated a girl from Needham who was in it… it could have just been Needham High though. I think they had their performances at Bentley?

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dogmom603 t1_jdvqnzv wrote

North Shore Music Theater

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ginns32 t1_jdvxvp7 wrote

Reagle Music Theater in Waltham could be a good cheaper option that put on good shows. They are doing Oklahoma and the Little Mermaid this summer. They also have a youth theater group. I think the tickets usually range from $38 - $68 for adults with discounts for seniors and kids.

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northeasternlurker t1_jdwmgxq wrote

Walnut Hill. A lot of Broadway performers come out of there

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itsgreater9000 t1_jdwnnvt wrote

my parents used to take me to brandeis for a smaller scale theater, i actually thought it was kind of cool despite not having a lot of interest in it. i have no idea if they still do those shows/they're open to the public since covid though. i do remember tickets were wicked cheap, but this is a while ago. i think for 4 people it was like 35 bucks? maybe a bit more or a bit less.

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okethan t1_jdy6j56 wrote

Cambridge High and Latin is great.

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debinthecove t1_je3ab49 wrote

Boston Arts Academy in the Fenway!! They just wrapped Shrek the musical. They do musicals every other year. Outstanding performances! So much talent, enthusiasm, and passion. A Boston public school.

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