A Guide to Attending Memorable Musical Theatre Performances
- centrestagekids
- May 6
- 6 min read
Musical theatre is where acting, singing, and dancing come together in the most magical way to tell unforgettable stories. There’s just nothing like the thrill of a live show—when the lights go up and the music starts, you’re swept into a world where anything is possible. Whether you're brand new to musicals or just want to make the most of your next theatre adventure, this blog is here to help guide you to enjoy every moment!
Understanding the Essence of Musical Theatre
Musical theatre isn’t just about big dance numbers and catchy songs (though we love those too!). It’s a powerful way to tell stories—where characters burst into song to share their deepest feelings, and every dance step and line of dialogue helps paint the bigger picture. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud comedy, a swoon-worthy romance, or a tearjerker that hits you right in the feels, musicals have a magical way of making human experiences come alive on stage.
Sure, Broadway gets a lot of the spotlight (and for good reason—it’s amazing!), but you’ll find incredible shows happening all over the world—from local community theatres to regional gems. No matter where you catch a performance, musical theatre invites you in with joy, passion, and a peek into the heart of different cultures and times.
Tips for a Memorable Musical Theatre Experience
Going to see a musical isn’t just about grabbing a seat and waiting for the curtain to rise—it’s an experience! Here are a few easy tips to make your theatre night extra special:
1) 🎭 Pick the Right Show.
Do a little research before you book. Check out what’s playing nearby, read a few reviews, and watch a trailer or two if you can. Social media and theatre websites are great for getting a feel for the vibe—whether you’re into toe-tapping fun or something a bit more dramatic.
2) ⏰ Arrive Early
Give yourself some wiggle room! Arriving with time to spare means no stress over parking or finding your seat. Plus, you’ll get to explore the theatre, snap a few pics, or check out the merch table before the lights go down.
3) 👗 Dress for the Occasion
Some venues are a bit fancy, others are super chill—but either way, wear something that makes you feel great and comfy. You’ll be sitting for a while, so think style and stretch! The last show I went to almost everyone was wearing sequins and I wish I had glammed it up a bit more :)
4) 🍿 Explore the Extras
Snag a snack, grab a program, browse the souvenirs—pre-show treats can make the whole night feel even more festive.
5) 👏 Don’t Skip the Curtain Call
This is your moment to cheer, clap, and celebrate the amazing work the cast and crew just brought to life. It’s part of the magic—and trust me, they feel the love!
What age is the show appropriate for?
If you are bringing kiddos to the theatre (which I highly suggest you do) then you will want to make sure the show you are seeing is age appropriate.
We recently did a production of Bye Bye Birdie but quickly realized it may not be age appropriate for everyone.
Bye Bye Birdie is a beloved classic with catchy tunes, colourful characters, and a whole lot of heart! It’s got that fun, vintage vibe that appeals to audiences of all ages—but before bringing the kids, here are a few things for parents to keep in mind:
🎤 Is It Kid-Friendly?
In Birdie, the show follows a teen girl who swoons over a rock star (hello, Elvis vibes!)—and while it’s playful and silly in many ways, there are some themes like teenage rebellion and old-school societal expectations that probably went over little ones’ heads.
I find looking at the reviews and listening to some of the music ahead of time will probably give you the best idea if it is appropriate for your kiddo. I'm sure someone made the mistake of taking their kid to the see the puppets of Avenue Q (The musical with Sesame Street like puppets that swear and deal with adult issues)
🎭 Will They Stay Engaged?
Once again checking out the story may help you decide if your little one will pay attention for the whole show.
Choosing the Right Venue
Where you see a show can totally change the vibe—so choosing the right venue is part of the adventure! Big theatres bring that wow-factor, while smaller spaces make you feel like you’re right in the action. Here are a few things to think about when picking the perfect place to catch any musical:
1) 🎟️ Check Out the Seats
Not all seats are created equal! Take a peek at seating charts and reviews—sometimes the hidden gems aren’t front and centre. You might find great views (and better prices!) in unexpected spots.
2) ♿ Accessibility Matters
If you or a loved one needs accommodations, be sure to check the theatre’s policies ahead of time. A little planning goes a long way to make sure everyone’s comfortable and included.
3) 🍽️ Make It a Night Out
Going to the theatre near fun restaurants or cool attractions? Even better! Plan a dinner before or a treat after the show to turn your theatre trip into a full-on outing.
4) 🌟 Big City Buzz or Local Love?
Professional productions bring polish, but don’t overlook your local community theatre! You’ll often find heart, talent, and a fresh take on classic shows. Plus, supporting local performers helps the arts scene thrive.
5) 🎫 Grab Your Tickets Early!
These days, snagging seats is just a few clicks away. Whether you're heading to a Broadway-style venue or a cozy community space, get your tickets early so you don’t miss out! Unless you are looking to save some dollars - depending on the theatre there may be a chance to score last day tickets if you don't mind not sitting with the rest of your group
Engaging with the Material
Want to get the most out of your theatre night? A little prep can make a big difference—and it’s actually super fun! Here’s how to dive into the world of the show before the curtain even rises:
1) 🎶 Jam to the Soundtrack
Find the cast recording and hit play! Getting to know the songs ahead of time helps you connect with the story and makes those big musical moments feel even more powerful live. My mom recently went to a professional show that people had been raving about and she thought it was "okay". When I asked if she listened to the music ahead of time she said "no" which is too bad because I know the music well and it is amazing, but when you are hearing something for the first time you may not hear everything and appreciate it all. So take a listen ahead of time to really feel connected to the show.
2) 📖 Skim the Storyline
A quick read of the plot can go a long way. That way, you won’t be scrambling to figure out what’s going on—and you’ll catch all the little details and inside jokes. Sometimes I skip this step as I like to be surprised when it comes to the story.
3) 🎥 Check Out a Film Version
If there’s a movie adaptation, give it a watch! It won’t be the same as seeing it live (nothing beats the real thing!), but it’s a great sneak peek at the characters and overall vibe.
4) 💬 Chat About It
Got friends going with you? Talk about what you’re excited to see! Share your fave songs or guess who’ll steal the show—it adds to the fun and builds up that opening night buzz!.
Embracing the Experience Fully
And don’t forget—theatre isn’t a sit-still-and-be-quiet kind of thing. It’s alive—and you’re part of the magic! Here’s how to really soak it all in:
🌟 Be in the Moment
Tuck that phone away and let yourself get swept up in the story. The more you focus, the more connected you’ll feel to what’s happening on stage.
👏 Feel All the Feels
Laugh out loud, clap when a number brings the house down, and don’t hold back those gasps or sniffles. Your reactions fuel the performers and help create that electric atmosphere only live theatre can offer. I have been known to cry A LOT during musicals (not necessarily sad ones either)
📸 Make Memories (Thoughtfully!)
Photos during the show are usually a no-go, but snap a pic of the marquee, your playbill, or your crew before or after the curtain—it’s all part of the fun!
💬 Chat About It
AfterWhen the lights come up, keep the magic going! Talk with your theatre buddies about your favourite characters, surprising moments, or songs that stuck with you. These post-show convos are half the fun and help you appreciate the show on a whole new level. If you are with your kiddo share your favourite moments.
Attend and Be Inspired
Whether you’re stepping into the world of musical theatre for the first time or you’ve been performing since you could walk, a little preparation goes a long way in making your experience unforgettable. From the first note to the final bow, there’s so much magic to take in!
With these simple tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to dive into your next show feeling confident, connected, and completely swept away. Let yourself laugh, cry, sing along (in your head!), and just be in the moment—it’s all part of the ride.
So go ahead—start planning your next theatre adventure. You just might fall in love with musical theatre all over again… or for the very first time. 🎭✨
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