What shows are playing now?

We're currently presenting Kid Frankenstein, The Musical and Penguin Goes to Flight School, perfect for young children and families.

Tell me about Kid Frankenstein, The Musical

This show is for big kids. It’s Halloween, and something strange is happening at Frankie Steiner’s house. Frankie is a kid genius who loves science, robotics and old monster movies. When he gets an idea for the annual robotics competition, his experiment works a little too well. What starts as a science project turns into a funny, spooky adventure filled with monsters, mad science, friendship and things that definitely do not go according to plan. KID FRANKENSTEIN is a Halloween musical for ages 7+ and families ready for something a little bigger. Recommended for ages 7-7. Runtime 55-Minutes, no intermission.

Tell me about Penguin Goes to Flight School

PENGUINS CAN’T FLY. THIS ONE IS GOING TO TRY. It’s the first day of Flight School, where they teach birds to fly. Penguin has the soul of an eagle and one enormous dream: to live on the wind. There’s just one problem. Penguins can’t fly. The other birds may know that. Penguin refuses to believe it. With determination, friends of a feather, and a little help with the technical parts, Penguin discovers that sometimes the biggest dreams need more than wings. PENGUIN GOES TO FLIGHT SCHOOL is a funny, uplifting live musical for ages 2–7 about believing in what you want, finding friends who believe in you, and getting your dream off the ground. Recommended for ages 2-7. Runtime about 55 minutes, no intermission.

How much are tickets?

Tickets range $29.50 - $69.50. Book on vitaltheatre.org or through our ticketing partner qiktix.com.

Where do you perform?

At Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W 47th Street, in NYC's Theater District.

How do I get from New Jersey to Vital Theatre Company?

Take NJ Transit to Penn Station, then a quick subway ride or 10-minute walk to Actors Temple Theatre at 339 W 47th Street, NYC.

Where can I park near Vital Theatre Company?

Nearby garages include Icon Parking at 157 W 47th St, Edison ParkFast at 311 W 43rd St, and Quik Park at 130 W 46th St.

How to Get from New Jersey to Vital Theatre Company – NJ Transit & Family Travel Guide

Quick Overview

The easiest way to reach Vital Theatre Company from New Jersey is via NJ Transit to Penn Station, then a short subway ride or 10-minute walk.

From most of Northern New Jersey, you're just 45-60 minutes from the theatre! This convenient route gets you to our theatre at 339 W 47th Street quickly and affordably.

Actors Temple Theatre
339 West 47th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)
New York, NY 10036

Step-by-Step Directions

Take NJ Transit to Penn Station NYC
Most NJ Transit lines serve Penn Station. Check njtransit.com for schedules.
Popular lines: Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Morris & Essex, Raritan Valley
Option A: Subway from Penn Station
Take the C or E train uptown to 50th Street (1 stop, 2 minutes)
Walk west on 50th Street to 9th Avenue, then south to 47th Street (5 minutes)
Option B: Walk from Penn Station
Exit Penn Station onto 8th Avenue
Walk north on 8th Avenue to 47th Street (10 minutes)
Turn left (west) on 47th Street - theatre is mid-block between 8th & 9th Avenues
Arrive at the Theatre
We recommend arriving 20-30 minutes before showtime
Doors typically open 20 minutes before the performance

Show Times & Planning Your Trip

Typical Show Schedule: Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM

Show Duration: Most shows run 50-60 minutes with no intermission

Current Shows: See what's on stage now on our NYC family shows page, or browse everything from the Vital Theatre homepage.

💡 Travel Tip: For an 11:00 AM show, we recommend catching a train that arrives at Penn Station by 10:20 AM. This gives you plenty of time for the subway/walk and arrival at the theatre.

Sample NJ Transit Arrival Times for 11:00 AM Show:

From Newark: Trains departing 9:45-10:00 AM arrive ~10:15 AM
From Montclair: Trains departing 9:30-9:45 AM arrive ~10:10 AM
From Morristown: Trains departing 9:15-9:30 AM arrive ~10:15 AM
From Red Bank: Trains departing 8:45-9:00 AM arrive ~10:10 AM

Always check current schedules at njtransit.com

Dining Options Nearby

Make it a full day trip! There are numerous family-friendly restaurants in the Theatre District:

Ellen's Stardust Diner - Famous singing waitstaff (1650 Broadway)
Carmine's - Italian family-style dining (200 W 44th St)
Junior's - Classic NYC diner with famous cheesecake (1515 Broadway)
Tony's Di Napoli - Italian family dining (147 W 43rd St)

💡 Tip: Consider eating after the show - most restaurants are less crowded before noon!

Parking Options (If Driving)

While we recommend public transit, if you're driving into the city:

Icon Parking - 157 W 47th St (same block as theatre)
Edison ParkFast - 311 W 43rd St
Quik Park - 130 W 46th St

Expect to pay $25-$45 for 3-4 hours. Book ahead on SpotHero or ParkWhiz for discounts.

Family Travel Tips

🎒 Pack Light: Bring only essentials - theatre has limited storage
🚽 Bathroom Breaks: Use Penn Station facilities before heading to theatre
🍿 Snacks: Small snacks okay, but no full meals in the theatre
📱 Tickets: Can be on your phone or printed - have them ready at door
🧥 Dress: Casual comfortable clothing is perfect
⏰ Time: Build in extra time for first visit - it's easier than you think!

🚆 Traveling from New Jersey