Messiah Singalong at Kennedy Center

[Anonymous]

We want to go to the Messiah singalong at the Kennedy Center but wondering about logistics. How early do we need to queue? Will tix be distributed right at 4:30, allowing for time to grab a bite before the 6pm start time? How long does the program run? Do 2 yr olds need tickets? Thanks in advance for any insight or advice!

[Anonymous]

two tickets per person. PLEASE don't bring a two year old! PLEASE. Our Messiah last year was ruined by a four year old bouncing in her seat. The Messiah is too long. We were stuck next to her for two hours. My husband almost gave her his phone to keep her occupied. The dad was acting totally unaware.

[Anonymous]

two tickets: https://www.arlingtonchorale.org/seasoncalendar/messiah-sing-along

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:two tickets per person. PLEASE don't bring a two year old! PLEASE. Our Messiah last year was ruined by a four year old bouncing in her seat. The Messiah is too long. We were stuck next to her for two hours. My husband almost gave her his phone to keep her occupied. The dad was acting totally unaware.

Ugh, sorry you had to deal with that.

PSA for parents: Even if *you* are in denial about your child being too young or undisciplined to sit through a grown-up/ticketed/religious event, those seated around you are not. Please be courteous to your fellow adults and remove your distracting little darling from the space.

[Anonymous]

The Messiah sing along is amazing and not as serious as a regular performance, but I definitely would not take a 2 year old. Presumably you are going because you actually want to take some sheet music and sing your part... definitely not compatible with a 2 year old approaching bedtime.

[Anonymous]

I've taken two year olds to Messiah singalongs. The next generation of Handel fans has to start somewhere!

But you definitely need to have a) a large collection of things for them to do, b) a willingness to monitor the kid very closely and take him outside if crankiness (or loudness) looks like it's starting to develop and c) honestly, it would be a *lot* better to try this out at a different venue, where ticket prices are cheaper, seating isn't as crowded, commute is lessened, and you're less likely to be surrounded by child-allergic urban fussbudgets.

Plus, all the non-Kennedy Center singalongs I've been to have featured amazing dessert tables for afterwards.

[Anonymous]

What time should we get there? 430 or earlier? Is there somewhere to eat nearby? How long does it last?

[Anonymous]

Be aware: "Standard parking rates apply when attending free performances" according to Kennedy Center website.

Tickets for the event are free. Parking is not free. Parking in the KC garage $23, or $20 if purchased online on advance. There is a also a garage at the Watergate offices next door though I have no idea if it'll be available at 4:30 on a weekday afternoon. And you'll have to use the KC garage.

Just noting this in case folks are seeing "free" but not remembering that the KC charges for parking for ALL events.

Don't assume there's street parking in that area--it's pretty much nonexistent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
We want to go to the Messiah singalong at the Kennedy Center but wondering about logistics. How early do we need to queue? Will tix be distributed right at 4:30, allowing for time to grab a bite before the 6pm start time? How long does the program run? Do 2 yr olds need tickets? Thanks in advance for any insight or advice!

You cannot be serious about bringing a two yr old to a singalong of The Messiah! Hire a damn baby-sitter! People go to sing and hear the music not to listen to a bored, whining, crying, tantruming child.

[Anonymous]

The next generation of Handel fans? Buy the CD and play it in the car for a few months before attending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The next generation of Handel fans? Buy the CD and play it in the car for a few months before attending.

Next gen dude here --- yeah, that's basically what I did. Familiarity helped provoke interest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:two tickets per person. PLEASE don't bring a two year old! PLEASE. Our Messiah last year was ruined by a four year old bouncing in her seat. The Messiah is too long. We were stuck next to her for two hours. My husband almost gave her his phone to keep her occupied. The dad was acting totally unaware.

Not all four year olds are like that. I took mine (who wasn’t even. 4 yet) to The Nutcracker at Warner Theatre and no problem at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:two tickets per person. PLEASE don't bring a two year old! PLEASE. Our Messiah last year was ruined by a four year old bouncing in her seat. The Messiah is too long. We were stuck next to her for two hours. My husband almost gave her his phone to keep her occupied. The dad was acting totally unaware.

Not all four year olds are like that. I took mine (who wasn’t even. 4 yet) to The Nutcracker at Warner Theatre and no problem at all.

Nutcracker is a totally different experience, there’s plenty happening on stage to keep kids attention. Handel’s Messiah is comprised of 2 hours of solos and choir pieces and the part you’re actually there for is an ever so brief sliver of an otherwise dry piece of music. And I’m a classical music lover.

[Anonymous]

Much of it isn't dry, but it *is* very long! I would not take a 2-year-old. The Messiah isn't going anywhere. When your child is older, then you can take him.