New Victory Theater — Attraction in New York

I got a free ticket to come see Bello the Clown in "Bello Mania". I guess he's graduated from the Ringling Bros. to his own headline show. The show is great for small, properly socialized kids. Even the ones that want to run around, climb on the seats and scream will settle down once the show gets going. After the Intermission... all bets are off.

The show is special enough to keep adults entertained as well. The man is a consummate acrobat. Even if you get seats in the second balcony, where I was seated, towards the end of the show you too will get pretty close and personal with Bello. There are other performers as well, including Bello's daughter, Annaliese, and a Bronx cowboy named Angelo Iodice. Hey. Don't roll your eyes. They used to have a stables on Pelham Parkway. There are plenty of cowboy in the Bronx.

As I stated earlier, after the Intermission all bets are off. At least up in the balcony where I was. It became musical chairs, sanctioned by the staff and it almost cost them a star. But if I had wanted to move, it would have been a plus, so I'll leave it as it is. The Intermission is timed perfectly for twitchy little ones with small bladders.

Oh, and please don't bring your sticky sodas and drink boxes into the theater like they ask you not to. The floors are fully carpeted and kids have accidents. Water dries. Apple juice attracts critters. Of course some heathens not only brought in contraband but had the nerve to leave it on the floor. You just can't take some people anywhere nice.

And for that reason, pay the extra money for Orchestra seats. If you do, you have a good chance of being asked on stage. But if you're going to be a spoil sport.... don't sit in the first couple of rows.

Overall, the venue is nice, clean and well maintained, and the staff is very friendly. Even when asking people not to eat in the theater. Really. If you can't follow simple instructions, keep your ghetto ass at home.

::Well that...

I was extremely disappointed with my experience there Friday night while going to see Pedal punk, which was great, even though I left after the first set due to my mood being ruined. It was difficult enough making it through the sea of chaos which is Times Square during the holiday, but was even more bothered when we told that there was no bathroom available for myself, and my guests, who were there due to getting discount tickets for people with disabilities, so you would have to go all the way down to the basement level, which there was an elevator that you would have to wait for. I looked for a concession stand while down there, which was nice to see they had inexpensive drinks, and snacks. I felt a bit out of place as I was unaware that this is a family theater, with a lot of activities for kids, which was nice to see, but still uncomfortable for those not with a family. I was enjoying the first set of the show very much, having my snacks when a young staff member tells me that I am not allowed to eat in the seats, which I was not aware of, as I did not see any signs indicating that. I had to eat either in the hallway, or up in the side booth, I put my food away till the end of the set, then left very upset. I have not been to many theater shows recently, but would've liked a better experience which treats adults like adults, not children. I will be sure to recommend the performance to others, but suggest they see...

The New Victory presents work for children and family audiences year-round, programming a full season of theater, dance, puppetry, circus, opera, physical theater and other types of performance art from around the world. In 2012, The New Victory Theater received a special Drama Desk Award for “providing enchanting, sophisticated theater that appeals to the child in all of us, and for nurturing a love of theater in young people.” The venue changed multiple names during its very long life on Broadway. It has been active since 1900 and was known as Theatre Republic, the Belasco Theatre, Republic Theatre, and Minsky's Burlesque. New Victory Theater is the oldest active venue and a worthy one of the name “Temple of Melpomene”. When it first opened it had a stunning interior featuring marble stairways, carved balustrades, and a gilded dome. An orchestra pit, a modern stage, and a new lighting system were later added in the 1920s and even once featured a roof garden. The theater’s facade is identifiable by its grand staircase and ornate lampposts. The New Victory didn’t have a glorious fate throughout the years. It served as a burlesque house, and then as an adult cinema. However, it was renovated in 1995 as a part of the large-scale revitalization of the area. It is now managed by New 42nd Street as a non-profit which puts on plays year-round for...