Michelle Obama took her daughters for a Broadway show in New York while her husband continued to battle the health care debate in Washington.

The US First Lady, along with Sasha, 8, and Malia, 11, watched the matinee performance of "Memphis" at the The Shubert Theater.

"They didn't make an announcement but when they came in, everybody noticed and started taking pictures. Then people started clapping too and there was a standing ovation for them," the New York Daily News quoted surprised audience member Terri Mertz as saying.

"I knew she was tall but I didn't realize she was that tall!" ertz added.

The audience was later warned at intermission against taking any more pictures of the First Kids. (ANI)