As a way to celebrate the July 4th holiday -- and lure crowds on a traditionally slow theatre weekend -- several Broadway and Off Broadway productions are offering discounts and special promotions this weekend. Here are a few:

Howard Crabtree's When Pigs Fly at the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre on West 42nd St. July 4-6 (five performances) all $45 tickets are only $20. Must be purchased at the box office and paid in cash.

Broadway's Annie, at the Martin Beck, continues its efforts to court family audiences. The latest gambit has a patriotic flair: Two-for-one tickets for a 6 PM performance July 4th, Independence Day. To get them, just call (212) 947-8844 and say the word "Banner" (as in, "Star Spangled").

Though ticket prices won't change, The King And I will hold a special July 4, 2 PM matinee to accommodate family audiences. The show, at the Neil Simon Theatre, now stars Faith Prince and Kevin Gray. For tickets call (212) 307-4100.

Forbidden Broadway Strikes Back at the new Stardust Theatre, West 51st St. Tickets for the July 4 performance of the parody revue are only (what else?) $17.76. Call (212) 329-6200. Ironically, the revival of 1776 doesn't begin previews until July 16, but when it does, parents can take advantage of the show's discount policy: Half price tickets to kids aged 17 and younger at every performance. The show opens Aug. 14. For information call (212) 869 8400.

--By David Lefkowitz