HOUSTON -- Every grown-up who purchases a ticket for opening night of the MasterCard Broadway Series presentation of Big at Jones Hall on Jan. 27 gets an accompanying children's ticket for free.

The one-night-only offer is part of "Kids Night on Broadway," a nationwide program supported by the League of American Theatres and Producers and the Theatre Development Fund. "Kids Night on Broadway," which began in New York, is now being held in 23 American cities.

"We want to provide incentives for kids who might be coming to the theatre for the first time," says Kelly Bukolt, publicity associate for Smyth/Katzen, the firm handling Big in Houston.

Festivities begin at 7 PM, an hour before curtain -- when children will be able to to meet Big cast members as well as some of the 'characters' from AstroWorld. In addition, games, face-painting and Big goody bags will be offered.

Adapted from the 1988 hit movie of the same name, Big has a book by John Weidman, lyrics by Richard Malby, Jr. and music by David Shire. Big is performed Jan. 27- Feb. 1 at Jones Hall in Houston. For tickets, $39.50- $45.50, call 1-713-629-3700.

-- By Peter Szatmary
Texas Correspondent