Actually, I think the thread title is exactly right - this is NOT the way to show high school students New York.

It sounds as if the trip was planned from a grown-up's perspective. I'm pretty sure there are many cool things that are much more interesting to teenagers than ancient Egyptian art and an ancient, sappy b'way show on its last legs.

Take them shopping in Chinatown. Take them on one of the many ferries. Take them to an off-broadway show like Blue Man Group or Stomp that's more interactive, more interesting for younger audiences and less expensive. Stay in the city and let them wander around Times Square all night long if they want. Take them to the Toys R Us or the FAO Schwartz or the Park Avenue Ferrari store. Take them to David Letterman or Rupert G's. Take them to MTV. Take them to the Belgian Fries place in the lower east side or a GV pizza place or to Union Square Park or to a flea market in Soho or to funky art galleries in Williamsburg. Show them NYU or Columbia or the Astor Place Tower Records.

You get the idea.