Ten theater-themed birthday parties for children

Youngsters with a penchant for singing redheads can spice up a visit to Annie with party package bonuses. The “Bet Your Bottom Dollar” Birthday package includes group tickets, discounts on show merchandise, and an autographed photo for the birthday kid. Bump it up to a Wishes From Warbucks premium package, and add to that orchestra seats and a personalized video message from the Annie cast. Certain packages include a discounted dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe or Burger Heaven. $1,152-$1,236 for a group of 12, depending on the date of show. For more information go to anniethemusical.com or call 212-944-7215. Ages 4 and up.

The PIT’s Broadway Birthday Bashes give partygoers access to the newly renovated theater, where they’ll watch 
a live improvised musical about the birthday boy or girl. VIP options allow you to customize your child’s party with a backstage dance party, karaoke, balloon art, face painting, cotton candy, an ice cream buffet or chocolate fountain. The package covers setup and cleanup. Prices start at $1,995 for up to 20 children. Ages 3 to 12.

Before checking out Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella on Broadway, tykes with a royal flair can celebrate their birthday princess-(or prince-) style. The birthday tot will get a tiara to wear while they sip tea and munch on gourmet hors d’oeuvres sure to please both kid and adult taste buds. Cinderella will even make a guest appearance to take a photo with the mini-monarch. $115 per child, $125 per adult, excluding the price of the show ticket. Minimum of 20 children. Party is 90 minutes long and will begin two hours before a performance. For more information, go cinderellaonbroadway.com or call 888-701-3000. Ages 5 to 13.

There are a number of ways your kid can celebrate at this midtown theater, including seeing a private production, joining performers as they act out a fairy tale of the birthday kid’s choosing, or participating in a theater workshop that culminates in an original skit. As part of the basic package, the show's cast sings "Happy Birthday," and the birthday kid gets photo ops with his or her favorite characters. Prices start at $795 for up to 20 children; additional children $20 apiece. Ages 3 and up.

Guests enjoy an hour of preshow activities, which include a craft project to take home, before watching the family-friendly theater troupe’s current musical (past productions have included adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and Treasure Island). The audience and cast even sing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday kid. A photo opportunity with the actors and a special gift for the guest of honor are also included. Prices start at $15 per child, minimum of ten children. Private party rooms are available for an additional $150. Ages 3 to 8.

Take the birthday party to the theater, where Puppetworks’ marionettes act out classic children’s stories. The company provides a private performance for the birthday tots and her guests. Afterward, everyone retires to the party room to munch on food 
while puppeteers discuss the show. Cleanup is included, but moms and 
dads must supply paper goods, food 
and decorations. Puppetworks recommends at least three months’ advance notice. $425 for up to 50 people. Ages 3 and up.

After watching Spidey soar through the air in Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, tots can tour backstage for a birthday fit for a superhero. A stage manager will lead your group around behind the curtains as you check out the costumes, scenery, and flying equipment up-close. When the spotlight beckons, kids can stand center stage just like Spider-Man! Snacks and drinks can be ordered beforehand to be devoured pre-show or during intermission. In groups of 12 or more, every kid will walk away with a Spiderman or Green Goblin tee-shirt. Ticket prices vary based on your seats in the theater and the time of year. For more information, call 800-276-23929 x267. Ages 6 and up.

The actors and teachers at Story Pirates make sure everyone gets involved at these creative bashes. During the Everyone Gets a Song Party, tots ages 1 to 4 take part in a 50-minute sing along, including an original tune written just for the birthday kid. At the Adventure Birthday parties, kids ages 6 to 12 work on a custom crafts, play theater games and boogie at a dance party. The Premiere Birthday package (ages 4 to 12) includes a 45-minute musical sketch comedy show, featuring a story imagined by the birthday girl. Private parties at the Drama Book Shop start at $1,795. Offsite Adventure and Everyone Gets a Song parties start at $795, and offsite Premiere Parties start at $1,295. Ages 1 to 12.

Tucked just inside the western boundary of Central Park is one of the best-kept experiences in town: a tiny marionette theater with shows performed daily, where regular kids’ tickets cost a mere five bucks. The theater can accommodate up to 100 kids and adults, while the party room has space for up to 75 people (30 seats for kids), making this a spacious location if your tot wants to invite his whole class. $800 for up to 100 guests. Ages 3 to 9.

The group package—the space’s most cost-effective—treats theater-loving kids to Tada’s latest show; the cast members even sing “Happy Birthday” to the birthday girl or boy from the stage. Other perks include discount tickets to an upcoming show for guests and, occasionally, a question-and-answer session with the actors. Bump up to the Command Performance ($2,000) and you can rent the entire theater for up to 100 guests. In addition to the show, you’ll get use of the theater lobby for 30 minutes, favors for all children and invitations. Prices start at $25 per child, minimum of 15 children, the birthday child is free. Ages 5 and up.