Tickets to the annual "Kids' Night on Broadway," an annual event sponsored by the League of American Theatres and Producers and the Theatre Development Fund, go on sale on Sunday, Oct. 25. Adults purchasing tickets by phone at 1-888-411-BWAY, or (212) 302-4111, will receive a free ducat for a child aged 6-18 for each full price ticket.
The three-year-old program is designed to introduce young people to live theatre in New York and across the nation. Along with the free tickets, most cities, including New York, are offering special 7 PM curtains, parking and dining discounts, and a variety of backstage activities.
The only set New York "Kids' Night" is Jan. 26, 1999. Other dates for New York and dates for other cities will be announced later. Participating metropolises include Baltimore, Cincinnati, Columbus, Des Moines, Grand Rapids, Hartford, Nashville, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Springfield (MO), Tallahassee, Tulsa, and Wilmington (DE).
In New York, participating shows include Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk, Annie, Big, Chicago, Footloose, Les Miz, Phantom, The Sound of Music, Smokey Joe's Cafe, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Victor/Victoria.
According to a spokesperson from the League of Theatres & Producers (Oct. 20), prior to the evening show on Jan. 26, 1999, Kids Night participants are again invited to attend the Kids Fanfare at Roseland Ballroom (3 PM - 6 PM). That's where stars from many of the represented Broadway shows will offer special activities, such as being made up like a Cats cat, or learning to shimmy like the denizens of Smokey Joe's Cafe. (For a look at the very first Kids Night back in 1997, please see the news story, "Little Talents Fill Big Top At First-Ever 'Kids Night On Broadway'.")
-- By Robert Simonson and David Lefkowitz
