Live Performances: Dinner and a Show!

Once the stage curtain rises, audiences all over the world are transported to new destinations, mythical worlds and bygone eras through the power of live performances.

From the meticulous costuming and high-quality staging to the talent of a production's on-stage performers and behind-the-scenes pros, it's hard to leave a live performance without feeling inspired. And a day or night out on the town is always better when a delicious meal is thrown in there!

So grab some snacks and come along as we explore some live performance opportunities groups are sure to love, along with some go-to nearby group-friendly dining options.

For those loving the energy of New York City, options abound. At the Metropolitan Opera, groups could immerse themselves in the magic of the opera's '24/'25 season, which includes four highly anticipated company premieres along with timeless classics. Soprano Angel Blue makes her long-awaited Met role debut as the title Ethiopian princess who's torn between love and country in Verdi's Aida, while young lovesick bohemians are at the center of the revival of Puccini's La Bohème. Not to miss is also the Met's annual presentation of Julie Taymor's abridged, English-language version of Mozart's The Magic Flute for the winter holidays.

DINING: The Grand Tier Restaurant (located within the opera house itself) offers a convenient pre-curtain and intermission dining option for groups of ten or more, complete with a setting of exquisite chandeliers, original works by Chagall and a view of the Lincoln Center Plaza.

As the largest dance company in the U.S. with a roster of nearly 100 dancers and an accompanying 62-piece orchestra, New York City Ballet (NYCB) always brings excellence to the stage, along with their world-renowned athletic and contemporary style. Also located at Lincoln Center, NYCB performs in the David H. Koch Theater, where groups can experience the theater's jewelry box-inspired design with lights that resemble diamonds, along with a 14K gold ceiling in the lobby Promenade. The '24/'25 season is filled with boundless energy and expansive movement, thanks to masterworks from NYCB founders George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, along with several new works. Group favorites include the charming comedy Coppélia, the passionate Swan Lake, and the magical A Midsummer Night's Dream. In addition, groups of 10 or more can save up to 30% off regular prices on select repertory performances.

DINING: Popular options include Rosa Mexicana for authentic and elevated Mexican cuisine; P.J. Clarke's at Lincoln Square for fresh food and frosty drinks; Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi for cuisine inspired by Chef Kwame's upbringing in the Bronx and San Juan Hill; and Lincoln Ristorante for an authentic interpretation of Italian cuisine.

Of course, Broadway should be on every group's radar when it comes to live performances.

"Currently, with over 35 Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays to consider, there truly is a show for everyone and booking tickets for a group through Group Sales Box Office is a seamless, one-stop-shop experience," said Stephanie Lee, President and CEO Group Sales Box Office at Broadway.com. "Group leaders have access to the leading resource of all Broadway information through Broadway.com, and our easy-to-navigate site, content, performance schedules and group rates are only a click away. What elevates the consumer experience is GSBO's expert sales and marketing team—the only one of its size in the industry, offering real-time service from a team of experienced, trusted professionals who will guide clients as if they were family!"

Receive groups email newsletters, casting announcements and special discount offers by registering at groups.broadway.com.

DINING: "Our clients are loving restaurants like Bond45, Sardi's, Bocca di Bacco, Carmine's and Victor's Cuban Café—to name just a few! Our team is always happy to make trusted and informed recommendations and referrals for restaurant venues," Lee added.

Of course, you can't think of live performances on Broadway without Disney and ticketing through Disney Theatrical Sales coming to mind. Groups have long loved seeing the award-winning stage adaptations of these beloved films for years and it's not hard to see why!

In The Lion King, which has six Indigenous African languages sung and spoken throughout the show, groups are transported to the African Pride Lands to follow young lion prince Simba as he faces adversity while fulfilling his destiny to be king. It's a show with wildly impressive costuming and staging, with over 232 puppets making an appearance. In Aladdin, audiences will follow the title character as he ventures into a world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. The show uses 84 special effects—including a flying magic carpet—and costumes with over 8,000 Swarovski crystals.

DINING: Group-friendly classics abound, such as the hometown feel of Applebees Times Square; the rockin' vibes at Hard Rock Cafe; and the delicious pizza pies at John's of Times Square.

In DC, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater plays host to numerous diverse and innovative works that groups won't want to miss. A leading non-profit theater, Arena Stage is known for presenting work that explores the diversity of American life, sparking conversation and inspiring action. Groups can expect first-class service from the Theatre's dedicated Groups Sales team and front-of-house staff to suit their needs, whether it's a private reception or custom cocktails. Their '24/'25 season impresses, with productions like John Leguizamo's The Other Americans; Data, a suspenseful new play venturing behind the locked doors of Silicon Valley; Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile; Untitled Tarell Alvin McCraney Play, a new play about queer love and forest magic from the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Moonlight; and more.

DINING: Within a short five-minute walk, Station 4 Restaurant offers Arena Stage patrons a special $39 three-course dinner or 10% off a la carte items and 50% off bottles of select wines. Groups could also visit the Theater's concessions bar for a variety of food and drink options, which could be enjoyed in their spacious cafe or outside on the covered roof-top terrace with views of the marina and Washington Monument.

The original version of this article included a section on Flat Rock Playhouse, which has been greatly impacted by the effects of Hurricane Helene. Learn more about how you can support Hurricane Helene recovery and relief efforts in Western North Carolina at Visit North Carolina.

Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for Groups Today.

The original version of this article originally appeared in the Sept/Oct '24 issue of Groups Today.

Photo courtesy of Paola Kudacki.