"Broadway has always been magical to me, and it was a joy to share that magic with my own kids," said Ripa in a statement. "I'm thrilled to be part of a program that exposes children to all of the things that I love about the theatre." 

Strahan added, "I'm honored to serve with Kelly as this year's Ambassadors for Kids' Night on Broadway. I have huge respect for Broadway performers. In the theatre, as in sports, the hard work, discipline and focus it takes to be a success are important fundamentals for kids to learn, and these actors and dancers are great role models for kids." 

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Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan and Young Broadway Stars Kick Off 2013 Kids' Night

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The 2013 event will be held held Feb. 25-March 3. 

Participating shows (to date) include the Broadway productions of Ann, Annie, Cinderella, Chicago, Hands on a Hardbody, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Newsies, Once, The Phantom of the Opera, Rock of Ages, Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark and Wicked as well as the Off-Broadway productions of Avenue Q, Forever Dusty, The Gazillion Bubble Show and Stomp. Kids' Night on Broadway, a program of The Broadway League, allows kids ages 6-18 to see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. A Kids' Night on Broadway ticket includes free pre-theatre parties, restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs and more.

The 17th annual Kids' Night on Broadway will kick off in New York City with a pre-theatre party. 

Times Square-area eateries also offer specials for Kids' Night on Broadway ticket-holders. Participating restaurants (to date) include Angus McIndoe, B. Smith’s, Blue Fin, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Casa Nonna, Ҫa Va Brasserie, Ceci Italian Restaurant, Cock & Bull, Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, Glass House Tavern, Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, Heartland Brewery & Chophouse, Little Town Restaurant Row, Matt’s Grill, Playwright Tavern, Ruby Foo’s, Ruby Tuesday, Schnipper's, Tasti-D-Lite, Toloache, Tony’s DiNapoli, Trattoria Trecolori and Virgil’s Real BBQ.

For more information, visit KidsNightonBroadway.com.