These days, Broadway seems to be increasingly catering to kids and younger audiences. Fifty years ago during the 1970s, producers focused less on the under-20 crowd. However, the mix has now changed. On Broadway currently, two mega-hits, "Wicked" and "Hamilton", are driven by young fans despite their darker themes. Other musicals suitable for early ages include "Aladdin", "Elf", "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child", "The Lion King", "The Outsiders", "Water for Elephants" and "Back to the Future".

Texas Performing Arts and Broadway in Austin: Making Broadway Affordable

This week, a revival of the 1954 musical "Peter Pan" lights up the stage at Bass Concert Hall. Tickets range from $30 to $150 plus fees. In the past, these presenters made sure tickets were affordable for school groups. With "Peter Pan", they will offer a full daytime performance just for school groups. "Peter Pan" is based on J.M. Barrie's works and seems ideal for this. In this staging, the title character is played by a male teenager, Nolan Almeida, which is a change from past versions. The national tour is directed by Lonny Price with a new book by Larissa Fasthorse, as parts of the original musical needed updating.Bob Bursey, the executive and artistic director of Texas Performing Arts, says, "Bass Concert Hall filled with 3,000 students experiencing theater, dance or live music for the first time is a unique moment. The artists we present tell us these are some of the most memorable performances. Our vision is for every student in our community to have the opportunity to be educated and inspired by live performance. With our supporters and teachers, we can make this happen."What do Texas kids think about Broadway touring shows? After previous Broadway tours, Texas Performing Arts keeps audience reactions. From students and teachers who saw "Wicked" at Bass Concert Hall, we have some insights. Brandon from Elgin High School said, "No words could explain how amazing this experience was. Getting to see 'Wicked' live is a dream come true. Doing it with classmates makes it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Watching people like me with a passion for performing is amazing." Cherisa Cromer from Elgin High School said, "At least 90% of my kids had never seen a Broadway or professional live musical. Seeing their excitement was unforgettable. It furthered their resolve to work in this field."For students who saw "Six: The Musical", Haley S. from Killeen High School said, "This was my first Broadway show and it was amazing. Learning history in a fun way was unique. Each queen told her story engagingly, making it more interesting. It was a great time." Sami Berg, the AP European history teacher from Killeen High School, said, "This experience was incredible. An opportunity like attending a Broadway musical is rare. Young minds understanding history through the arts is fantastic."Whether it's singing "Defying Gravity" in "Wicked" or "I'm Flying" in "Peter Pan", these students and teachers are excited about the discounted Broadway educational experience.When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. SundayWhere: Bass Concert Hall on the University of Texas campusTickets: $30-$150 plus feesInfo: texasperformingarts.org