Is a 5-yr old ready to watch and enjoy a (non-kiddie but not necessarily adults only) musical?

How many professional live performances of "family" shows has she seen? And how long were they?

And by professional, are you thinking of springing for a traveling Broadway show, or a community theater group? If the former, is there a reason why you're so eager to shell out the bigger bucks for a child who can't tell the difference yet?

As the mother of two grown kids who took them to see live shows since they were babies, I think 5 is still a bit young for even the Disney musicals. The biggest reason is the length of performances and the lack of booster seats. Meanwhile, there is so much available that is geared to younger children that it seems a shame to waste your money on something that will be a bit challening for her and, therefore, a less than optimal experience.

I started my kids in seeing live performances by taking them to outdoor concerts of the summer civic band and children's folk singers where we sat on the grass and they were free to move and dance around. We moved on to years of children's concerts and plays that were only about an hour long, along with major spectacles like ice shows and the circus where you can buy junk to keep them entertained in their seats. Even for the early elementary years, there are so many shows put on by school groups that it's hard to see how your child could be deprived of being exposed to the performing arts.

If you wait until she's 9 or 10, she'll get a lot more out of seeing a major professional production.

I had "The Sound of Music" memorized by the time I was 5. I also sat through an entire dress rehearsal by myself when I was 6.

If your child can sit still and not disturb the other people in the theater, then by all means, take her to a show. There are musicals that are geared towards children (i.e. Peter Pan, The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast) that adults enjoy just as much. Stay away from shows with adult subject matter, or you'll have a lot of explaining to do!

If they are a mature five year old, and would be spellbound by the musical, then defiantly take them! I know some young children who love musicals. There are of course the Disney Broadways; Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, On The Record, etc., that would be perfect for all of you to watch and enjoy.

Wicked is also a brilliant Broadway, and it's for ages five and up, and almost everyone loves it, no matter what their age! I know five year olds who love it, I know teenagers who love it, and I know adults who love it.

I went to see CATS with a group ranging in age from five years old to forty-five, and all of us loved it. The five year old (who had saw the DVD), was mouthing the songs along with the actors she loved it so much!

So, if the child is mature, and would be able to sit through a two hour or longer show, and enjoy it, then defiantly take them to see some!

Hope you all enjoy!

I know a 7 year old who was spellbound watching Fred Astaire films, started dancing and singing, so on and so forth. Wouldn't say that was "usual," but you never know if you don't try.

I let my son watch and play with toys. If it live, just be ready to leave early. My son loves to watch musicals and rarely plays with the toys when I don't push him.

Yeah I dont see why he or she wouldnt be. Expose your kid to new stuff, help them learn know what I mean :b