It’s Never Too Early To Turn Young People On To The Magical Experience Of Broadway

The theatrical-industrial complex has American families by the horns . . . and pre-recorded horn sections:

Four hundred and fifty bucks. That’s what it cost the Agnew family for a Saturday night performance of “The Lion King.” Whether that considerable chunk was spent for two hours and 45 minutes of delight or for one flustered and fuss-filled act followed by a hasty escape at intermission came down to one person: Harris Agnew, age 3.

“We’re questioning the thought process at this moment,” said Jim Agnew of Williamsburg, Va., who was standing in line before the show with his wife, Julie, and their children, Clark, 6, and Harris.

“If it goes well,” Ms. Agnew said, “this will be a magical experience.” She looked at Harris uncertainly. “We’re hoping.”

The perception of Broadway as a destination for families with children has been growing for years, keeping pace with the rise of the tourist audience. According to the League of American Theaters and Producers, the proportion of Broadway theatergoers under the age of 18 rose from 4 percent in 1980 to a peak of 11.6 percent in the 2000-01 season. Last season 9.6 percent were under 18, with a third of those — or 384,000 theatergoers — under 12.

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According to several ushers interviewed, most parents understand that they need to do something when a child becomes, well, a situation. But, said Dana Amendola, vice president for operations at Disney Theatricals, ushers try to move in before things get out of hand. In those circumstances, diplomacy is required.

“You can’t tell a parent, ‘This is not appropriate for your 4-year-old or your 5-year-old,'” Mr. Amendola said. “You give the parents an option,” which, he explained, could mean watching the show on a screen in the lobby, or from the back of the theater.

Nevertheless, the prospect of a tantrum is real, and a plan must be hatched. The Agnews discussed a one-parent/one-child split at intermission if Harris, the 3-year-old, became restless. (For the record, Harris stayed for the long haul and enjoyed himself.)