My kids faces light up any time I surprise them with tickets to a show at National Theater. Nothing is more meaningful and magical then providing children with the experience of live theater. Did you know that engaging your kids in performing arts; inspires creativity and imagination, enhances emotional intelligence, and broadens cultural awareness. These are just a few benefits live theater. I’m excited to share that this years line up at National Theater will have a handful of family friendly shows coming to stage including: STOMP, Gabby’s Doll House Live, and Beauty and The Beast. Not to mention there are some shows for the more mature crowd including: Clue, Stereophonic, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Wiz, The Book of Mormon, and The Great Gatsby, SUFFS, Beetlejuice and The Notebook.
A LOOK AT WHATS COMING THIS WINTER
STOMP January 16-18, 2026: STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
GABBY’S DOLL HOUSE LIVE! January 21-22, 2026- Gabby’s Doll House Live! Terrapin Station Entertainment and TEG Life Like Touring, in association with Universal Destinations and Experiences, present Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! Presented by Walmart, a brand-new stage show inspired by the magical world of the global preschool sensation from DreamWorks Animation. In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right.
CLUE January 27- February 1, 2026- CLUE…A mansion. A murder. A mystery. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
Stereophonic February 10 – March 1, 2026- The most Tony Award-winning Show of the year. The most Tony Award-nominated Play of all time. Stereophonic mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup—or their breakthrough. Written by David Adjmi, directed by Daniel Aukin, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s Will Butler, Stereophonic invites the audience to immerse themselves—with fly-on-the-wall intimacy—in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up.
The Simon & Garfunkel Story March 14-15, 2026- The Simon & Garfunkel Story is touring North America again this year! Using huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including ‘Mrs. Robinson’, ‘Cecilia’, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. The immersive concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast March 18 – April 5, 2026- Be Our Guest at BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in over 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
A SNEAK PEEK AT SPRING/SUMMER SHOWS
THE WIZ – April 7-12, 2026
THE BOOK OF MORMON – April 28-May 3, 2026
THE GREAT GATSBY– May 12-14, 2026
SUFFS– June 16-28, 2026
BETTLEJUICE– July 7-26, 2026
THE NOTEBOOK– August 18-30, 2026
TIPS
- Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to curtain, so you can go through security, check-in and find seats.
- Ask for a booster seat for littles so they can have a good view.
- Bring along a teddy bear, or doll for comfort.
- Dressing up can be fun! Beauty and the Beast is the perfect opportunity to dress up like a princess.
National Theatre – 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
***The Playful Parent is a non-profit that encourages family bonding, and promotes learning through play by providing free resources to Southern Maryland families and beyond. No payment was provided for this article, and all information and opinions are based on a non-biased and honest review. Thank you, National Theatre, for providing photography, information, and occasionally providing preview press passes.***
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