Like so many people, I read "A Raisin in the Sun" when I was in high school, and I was moved by Lorraine Hansberry's tale of a financially struggling African-American family in racially segregated Chicago. But as a teen growing up in a small Hudson Valley town, I knew few families that had these challenges. The play was powerful, but the ideas were abstract.
BROADWAY
1984Hudson Theatre, 145 W. 44th St. between 6th Ave and Broadway
Ages: Older teens (violence, disturbing themes, some gore)
Topics explored: the role of government; personal freedom
Ethel Barrymore Theatre, 243 W. 47th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave
Ages: 13+ (minor profanity, topic may not be interesting to younger children)
Note: This shows a hit Off Broadway, and it will begin Broadway previews on October 7. There's a Show-Score Social on October 15.
Music Box Theatre, 239 W. 45th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave.
Ages: 13+ (suicide, minor profanity)
Topics explored: bullying; the power of social media
Note: There are currently nine Show-Score Socials available for this show!
Al Hirschfeld Theatre, 302 W. 45th St. at 8th Ave.
Ages: 15+ (mild profanity, complex political arguments that may not interest younger children)
Topics explored: LGBT equality; general tolerance
Vivian Beaumont Theater, 150 W. 65th St. at Amsterdam Ave.
Ages: 10+ (minor sexual themes)
Topics explored: religious and cultural tolerance; patriotism
OFF-BROADWAY AND BEYOND
New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St.
Ages: 14+ (sexual and adult themes; profanity)
Topics explored: race; LGBT equality; general tolerance
St. Luke's Theatre, 308 W. 46th St. at 8th Ave.
Ages: 8+ (nothing inappropriate, but topic may not interest very young children)
Topics explored: race; patriotism
The Flamboyan Theater, 107 Suffolk St.
Ages: 8+ (nothing inappropriate, but topic may not interest very young children)
Topics explored: wildlife conservation; environmental issues
Note: "Fresh From Africa" has limited performances, so make sure you book your tickets. You can purchase them here.
New York City Center, 131 W. 55th St. between 6th and 7th Ave.
Ages: 16+ (profanity, brief nudity)
Topics explored: physical disability; race; class
Note: Closes July 16
Tato Laviera Theatre, 240 E. 123rd St. at 2nd Ave.
Ages: 14+ (adult themes)
Topics explored: race; class
St. Luke's Theatre, 308 W. 46th St.
Ages: 12+ (light adult themes)
Topics explored: civil rights; feminism
We're always looking for new ways to inspire kids to change the world. Are there any other shows that you would add to this list? Comment below!