A Macaroni Mom's Review: Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music"

My son and I had the opportunity to see Sesame Street Live at The Theater at Madison Square Garden recently. This was our second time going to see Elmo and the gang perform on stage. The show we attended was themed “Elmo Makes Music,” and all of my toddler son’s favorite characters were involved: Bert, Ernie, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, The Count – and of course, Elmo!

What a difference exactly two years can make for an overall enjoyable experience at a live children’s show. From a seamless trek into the city via New Jersey Transit train (complete with a transfer at Secaucus Junction) to settling into our center mezzanine seats with a big box of popcorn, the planets were aligned for a wonderfully fun show experience.

Back when my son was 18 months, I was ambitious.  My family and I wanted the “experience” of taking him to see Elmo. In retrospect, it really was more for “us” than it was for him. And that’s ok, because that is what family memories are made of. Like chasing him up and down the aisles or spending the majority of the show out in the lobby. Also, at 18 months old, my son required far more equipment – diaper bag, stroller and most certainly a drive into the city. It is easier to schlep everything in a car as opposed to using mass transit…but it certainly IS possible.

Fast forward 2 years later. My son is now 3 ½ years old, and taking in the show was a much more pleasurable experience. Even with a 2 ½ year old, it was enjoyable, as a neighborhood friend of ours joined in on the Sesame Street Live fun. Our friend was well-behaved, engaged and an all-around good-girl throughout the show.

Of course, leave it to those Sesame Street characters to entertain the little ones. Familiar favorites like the “Alphabet Song,” a visit from Mr. Noodle and lots of singing and dancing can be expected. And the live characters even make their way into the Floor Seats section a few times throughout the show for a little hug and high-five action.

 

No matter where you are sitting, it’s hard to find a bad seat in the house at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.  If a mommy or daddy's head is blocking your child’s view, simply pop him/her on your lap or rearrange your row so that there’s a clear path ahead of your little one.  

The show is 90 minutes long, with a 15-minute intermission. Be prepared: this is the time when the vendors bring around giant Elmo/Cookie balloons that cost $10 each. Cash only.

Speaking of cash – bring a good amount of it. Many of the souvenir and snack vendors will only take cash, although there is a conveniently located CHASE ATM in the hallway of the theater just steps from the snack stands.

If your child requires a stroller, you’ll be required to park it. The trick here is to be sure to leave the show a few minutes early, to avoid the stroller retrieval crowd and ALL crowds altogether, as your little one will likely have reached his/her limit at that point. 

We were able to bring a small backpack with my son’s essentials and were even able to bring in our own juice boxes and TeddyGrams, which were intended for the train ride. The juice box actually came in handy during the show (and saved us a few dollars from having to buy a drink!)

Sesame Street Live is a family-friendly show, and the Theater at Madison Square Garden is a family-friendly place. No matter your child’s age, it will be a memorable experience for sure.

Enjoy!

{I was not compensated in any way for this post.  I did receive four complimentary tickets for show review purposes only.  All opinions expressed here are solely mine.}