Hey there, future Broadway stars and theatre-loving families! Are you on the hunt for the best Broadway play for kids? It’s wonderful to introduce young ones to the magic of the stage! While nothing beats the thrill of a live performance, there are countless ways to bring that sparkle and song right into your home, helping your kids explore the world of musical theatre even when they’re not in a Broadway seat.
From belting out show tunes to tickling the ivories with simplified arrangements, diving into Broadway doesn’t always mean buying a ticket. It can mean opening a songbook, practicing a new skill, or finding the perfect gift that celebrates their passion. We’ve rounded up some fantastic Broadway-themed resources designed specifically for kids that will help nurture their talent, spark their imagination, and get them closer to the show tunes they adore. Let’s dive in and find the perfect pick to inspire your young performer!
1. Kids’ Broadway Songbook – Revised Edition Book/Online Audio
This revised edition is a fantastic starting point for any young vocalist eager to explore the world of Broadway. Filled with beloved classics from various musicals, it offers simplified vocal arrangements perfect for budding singers. What makes it truly stand out is the inclusion of online audio access, providing professional accompaniments that make practicing feel like a mini-performance every time. It’s an ideal way to build confidence and develop a love for musical theatre.
- Key Features:
- Book with online audio access for accompaniment
- 96 pages packed with popular Broadway songs
- Vocal arrangements suitable for young singers
- Pros:
- Great selection of age-appropriate songs
- Online audio makes practicing fun and easy
- Helps build vocal skills and stage presence
- Cons:
- May require adult assistance for online audio setup
- Some songs might still be challenging for absolute beginners
- User Impressions: Parents frequently praise how much their kids love singing along with the professional tracks. Many say it’s been a game-changer for inspiring their children’s passion for musical theatre and preparing them for school performances or auditions.
See it on Amazon here
2. Broadway Songs for Kids
If your child is learning piano and has a soft spot for show tunes, this collection is an absolute must-have! Designed specifically for easy piano, it takes some of Broadway’s most iconic melodies and arranges them in a way that’s accessible for younger players. It’s a wonderful resource for developing piano skills while playing music that truly resonates with them, turning practice time into enjoyable performances.
- Key Features:
- Easy Piano arrangements for beginners
- 80 pages of popular Broadway hits
- Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard
- Pros:
- Encourages piano practice with engaging songs
- Arrangements are genuinely easy to learn
- Introduces kids to classic Broadway melodies
- Cons:
- Lacks vocal lines or chords for singing along
- Might become too simple for intermediate players quickly
- User Impressions: Reviewers often highlight how motivating this book is for young piano students. Kids love being able to play songs they recognize from famous musicals, which keeps them engaged and eager to learn more.
See it on Amazon here
3. The Easiest Easy Piano Songs Simple Songs: 50 Fun and…
While not exclusively a Broadway songbook, “The Easiest Easy Piano Songs” is an incredible foundational resource for any child aspiring to play musical theatre pieces. Before tackling complex show tunes, mastering basic melodies is key. This collection offers 50 simple, fun songs that help build finger strength, rhythm, and reading skills on the piano. It’s the perfect stepping stone to eventually playing the best Broadway play for kids numbers.
- Key Features:
- Easy Piano arrangements for absolute beginners
- 122 pages of simple, fun songs
- Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard
- Pros:
- Excellent for building foundational piano skills
- Varied selection of popular tunes to keep interest
- Clear and easy-to-read notation
- Cons:
- Not strictly Broadway, so some songs might not be theatre-related
- May not satisfy a child looking only for show tunes
- User Impressions: This book receives high praise for its accessibility. Many parents report that their children, even those just starting piano lessons, found it incredibly encouraging to be able to play full songs quickly, boosting their confidence significantly.
See it on Amazon here
4. Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 1 Book/Online Audio
For the child who dreams of the spotlight, the “Kids’ Musical Theatre Collection – Volume 1” is an indispensable resource. This book isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a comprehensive toolkit for young performers. It includes both vocal lines and piano accompaniments, along with online access to audio tracks, offering a complete package for practicing, performing, or even preparing for auditions. It truly helps bring the magic of a Broadway play for kids into their practice room.
- Key Features:
- Volume 1 book with online audio
- 122 pages of diverse musical theatre songs
- Instrumentation: Voice and Piano Accompaniment
- Pros:
- Comprehensive for vocal and piano practice
- Online audio tracks are high quality
- Great for audition prep or school musicals
- Cons:
- May be a bit advanced for very young beginners
- Requires both vocal and piano skills (or a pianist) to fully utilize
- User Impressions: Aspiring young actors and their coaches rave about this collection. The combination of sheet music and professional backing tracks is consistently cited as a huge advantage, making it a staple for anyone serious about musical theatre.
See it on Amazon here
5. Performer Gift Cosmetic Bag, The Stage is My Happy Place…
While not a songbook, this charming cosmetic bag is the perfect gift for any child who cherishes the idea of being in a Broadway play for kids. Adorned with the heartwarming phrase “The Stage is My Happy Place,” it’s a lovely way for young performers to carry their stage essentials, from makeup brushes to hair ties, or even just everyday items. It’s a thoughtful, practical item that celebrates their passion for theatre and reminds them of their dreams.
- Key Features:
- Double-sided cosmetic bag (9″W x 7″L)
- Made of high-quality, eco-friendly cotton linen material
- Smooth zipper for secure storage
- Versatile for various daily beauty supplies or personal items
- Pros:
- Ideal sentimental gift for young performers or theatre fans
- Durable and well-made material
- Practical for organizing small items for rehearsals or travel
- Cons:
- Not directly related to learning or performing music
- Design might be too specific for some tastes
- User Impressions: Gift recipients, especially young theatre students, absolutely adore this bag. They love the empowering message and find it useful for storing their stage-related bits and bobs, or even just using it as a cute everyday pouch.
See it on Amazon here
6. Kids’ Broadway Songbook Various Composers | Vocal…
This specific “Kids’ Broadway Songbook” offers a slightly different approach, focusing purely on the sheet music for vocalists, but with added instrumentation options for guitar and piano/keyboard accompaniment. It’s a fantastic choice for homes where multiple instruments are played, or for a child who prefers to sing alongside a live musician rather than a pre-recorded track. It’s a great collection for enjoying the melodies of the best Broadway play for kids with flexibility.
- Key Features:
- Book Only (no online audio included)
- 96 pages of vocal arrangements
- Instrumentation for Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, and Vocal
- Pros:
- Offers flexibility for different accompaniments
- Excellent for group singing or family jam sessions
- High-quality print and selection of songs
- Cons:
- No online audio, so requires a live accompanist or ability to read music for instruments
- May be less accessible for those without accompanying musicians
- User Impressions: Musicians and vocal teachers often appreciate the multi-instrumentation format, finding it useful for teaching or for kids who are already comfortable with reading sheet music and have access to accompaniment.
See it on Amazon here
7. Broadway Songs for Kids – Songs Originally Sung on Stage…
For the young performer ready to tackle more complex arrangements, “Broadway Songs for Kids – Songs Originally Sung on Stage” steps up the game. This book offers full Piano/Vocal/Guitar (P/V/G) arrangements, providing a more complete and authentic musical experience. With online audio, kids can hear how the songs are meant to sound, making it perfect for those aspiring to truly embody the original performances from a Broadway play for kids. It’s an excellent bridge to more advanced musical theatre repertoire.
- Key Features:
- P/V/G Book with online audio access
- 152 pages of authentic Broadway songs
- Instrumentation: Vocal, Piano/Vocal/Guitar
- Pros:
- More authentic and complete musical arrangements
- Online audio for accurate interpretation and practice
- Ideal for more advanced young vocalists and instrumentalists
- Cons:
- Might be too challenging for beginners
- The P/V/G format can be overwhelming for those not used to it
- User Impressions: This collection is highly rated by older kids and teens involved in musical theatre. They value the detailed P/V/G arrangements for their performance accuracy and find the online audio indispensable for perfecting their delivery.
See it on Amazon here
Bringing Broadway Home
Whether your child is dreaming of starring in a best Broadway play for kids or simply loves to sing along to a catchy tune, these resources offer fantastic ways to deepen their connection to musical theatre. From vocal training and piano practice to inspiring gifts, there’s something here to ignite every young performer’s passion. So go ahead, choose the perfect item, and let the show tunes fill your home!
FAQ Section
Q1: What age is appropriate for introducing kids to Broadway songbooks?
A1: Many songbooks are designed for children aged 6 and up, often categorized as “easy piano” or “young vocalist” editions. Look for simplified arrangements and online audio features that make learning fun and accessible for various age groups and skill levels.
Q2: How can I encourage my child to practice with a Broadway songbook?
A2: Make it fun! Suggest singing together, let them choose the songs they love, and use the online audio accompaniments to make it feel like they’re performing with a live band. Setting small, achievable goals and celebrating their progress can also be very motivating.
Q3: Are these songbooks suitable for kids who want to audition for school plays?
A3: Absolutely! Many of these songbooks, especially those with online audio tracks, are excellent for audition preparation. They offer age-appropriate material and professional backing tracks, allowing kids to practice their performance with confidence.
Q4: What’s the difference between “Vocal,” “Easy Piano,” and “P/V/G” instrumentation?
A4:
* Vocal: Primarily sheet music for the singing part, usually with basic chord symbols.
* Easy Piano: Simplified piano arrangements focusing on melody and basic harmony, often for beginners.
* P/V/G (Piano/Vocal/Guitar): More comprehensive sheet music including the full piano accompaniment, the vocal melody, and guitar chord frames, suitable for more advanced players or those performing with a full band.
Q5: My child loves Broadway but isn’t very musical. Are there still options for them?
A5: Yes! While many resources are music-focused, you can still foster their love. Consider books about famous Broadway shows or stars, merchandise like the performer gift bag we reviewed, or even family trips to see local theatre productions. Encouraging creativity through storytelling or drawing scenes from musicals can also be great.
Q6: How important is the “online audio” feature in a songbook for kids?
A6: The online audio feature is incredibly helpful, especially for young learners. It provides a professional accompaniment track, allowing kids to hear how the song should sound and to sing or play along with proper timing and melody. This can significantly boost their confidence and make practice much more engaging than playing with a silent metronome.
Q7: Should I choose a songbook that focuses on a specific Broadway play for kids or a general collection?
A7: It depends on your child’s interest! If they are absolutely obsessed with one specific musical (like Annie or Matilda), a dedicated songbook might be perfect. However, a general collection offers more variety and exposes them to different styles and shows, potentially broadening their musical theatre horizons. For beginners, a general collection is often a great starting point.