Cheryl Ladd and Patrick Cassidy from Annie Get Your Gun and Mario Cantone from The Crumple Zone will be celebrity judges at a karaoke contest for kids that kicks off ticket sales for the "Fifth Annual Kids' Night On Broadway."

The Oct. 26 kick-off event—the "Broadway Karaoke Contest for Kids" —is a first ever special hosted by MTV's "Say What? Karaoke" host Dave Holmes.

The "Broadway Karaoke Contest for Kids" will be held at the Times Square Visitors Center on Broadway between W. 46th and W. 47th St., 3-5 PM.

Winning kids receive tickets to Broadway shows, signed posters and CD's among other things. The celebrity judges will review the contest and talent agents will be on hand as well. The grand prize karaoke winner will perform at "the pre-theatre party during the first night of "Kids' Night on Broadway" on Jan. 30, 2001.

Conceived by the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) and the League of American Theatres and Producers in 1996, "Kids' Night on Broadway" has helped introduce some 150,000 young people (ages 6-18) to the "magic of live theatre" by making it "accessible to a new generation of theatregoers." The program makes one free child's ticket available with every full-price adult ticket to participating Broadway shows in 20 major national markets. Various other programs and competitions connected with "Kids' Night" have been successful in attracting younger audiences to Broadway.

"Kids' Night on Broadway" comes to New York City on Jan. 30 and Feb 6, 2001. The special evening of theatre for young people features 7 PM curtains and restaurant discounts. In addition, a free "Kids' Broadway Blast" at Hammerstein Ballroom, located at 311 W. 34 St. will take place 3-6 PM where a "wide variety of backstage activities will precede the Jan. 30 'Kids' Night' performances."

For further information, a new website, www.kidsnightonbroadway.com, will be dedicated to "Kids' Night on Broadway." Or, interested parties may call the Broadway Line (888) BROADWAY or (212) 302-4111.

-- By Murdoch McBride