Family-Friendly Theater Performances

Bringing your kids to a theater performance can be a great bonding experience and a good way to spark an interest in the performing arts. Fortunately, there are shows for even the youngest of theater goers. Before you go, check for COVID protocols. Some theaters may require attendees to be fully vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test.
Broadway Shows
Come From Away – This musical is based on the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the town of Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultural differences and language barriers didn’t stop the people of Gander, Newfoundland from making the stranded travelers feel at home with music, an open bar and the recognition that they’re all part of a global family. For ages 10 and up. July 12-17, 2022. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408-792-4111. 
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Broadway San Jose presents this classic story about Willy Wonka opening his chocolate factory to Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners. Enjoy the Oompa-Loompas, the great glass elevator, incredible inventions and songs from the original film including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.” For ages 6 and up. Jan. 18-23, 2022. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408-792-4111. 
The Prom – This musical comedy follows four Broadway actors who travel to a conservative town in Indiana where a lesbian student has been banned from bringing her girlfriend to the high school prom. It features direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw. Recommended for ages 8 and up; no children under 5 allowed. June 21-July 17, 2022. Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco. 
The Simon & Garfunkel Story – This concert-style theater show chronicles the story of the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It covers their beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their success as one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s. It includes hits like “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and more. For ages 6 and up. Jan. 12, 2022. 7:30 p.m. Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose. 408-792-4111. 
Community Theater
Annie Jr. – San Carlos Children’s Theater presents this classic musical about Annie, an orphan determined to find the parents that abandoned her. Instead, she finds family with billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Appropriate for all ages. Jan. 20-21 at 7 p.m.; Jan. 22-23 at 1 p.m. Mustang Hall, 828 Chestnut St., San Carlos. 
Descendants The Musical – Based on the original Disney Channel movies, this musical comedy features the beloved characters and hit songs from the films. The offspring of the most favorite Disney villains get a chance at redemptions when Ben, the son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), invite them to attend Auradon Prep, a school where many fairytale characters’ children attend. Appropriate for all ages. March 12-20, 2022. Peninsula Youth Theatre, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-988-8798. 
Fiddler on the Roof Jr. – This adaptation of the Tony-award winning musical follows Tevye, a Jewish dairyman and his five daughters. Tevye’s goal is to marry off his five daughters and instill in them a sense of tradition in the face of growing anti-Semitism in Czarist, Russia. Appropriate for all ages. May 7-15, 2022. Peninsula Youth Theatre, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-988-8798.
Frozen Jr. – Elsa, Anna and the land of Arendelle come to life on stage in this Peninsula Youth Theatre production based on the classic Disney film. It features all of the memorable songs from the film plus new ones. Appropriate for all ages. July 14-17, 2022. Peninsula Youth Theatre, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St., Mountain View. 650-988-8798.
Les Misérables – Children’s Musical Theater San Jose presents this modern classic featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. Set in nineteenth century France, the story follows Jean Valjean who is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment with hopes of starting a new life. It will feature performers ages 14-19. March 4-13, 2022. Ticket information and venue to be announced. 
The Imaginaries: An Immersive Musical – Find out what happens when a human child jumps into an imaginary world in this show written and illustrated by the Bay Area Children’s Theatre Writers Room and based on the book The Ultimate Pocket Guide for Amazing Imaginary Friends. Immersive theater allows the audience to actively become part of the story. For ages 4 and up. March 5-27, 2022. $30-35. Berkeley Theater, 2055 Center St., Berkeley. 510-296-4433.