Kids’ Night on Broadway, according to press notes, is "an annual event when kids 18 and under can see participating Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. A Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket includes pre-theatre activities, restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs, and more."
Tickets will go on sale Nov. 3 at 10:30 AM ET.
On Feb. 9 select shows will offer in-theatre activities for kids, including talkbacks, activity books and additional events to be announced.
"Celebrating the 20th Anniversary, we decided to return to the way Kids’ Night on Broadway began, focusing on one amazing evening when crowds of kids take over Times Square! It’s fun and gratifying to see the enthralled faces of young theatregoers sitting in our theatres, being transported while experiencing the magic on stage," said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, in a statement. "On average, a million kids (18 or younger) see a Broadway show each season, and now many of them are theatergoing adults."
Participating shows to date include Aladdin, Allegiance, An American in Paris, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Chicago, The Color Purple, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Dames at Sea, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Fun Home, Jersey Boys, The King and I, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Matilda The Musical, Noises Off, On Your Feet!, The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Something Rotten! and Wicked. "As a mother of two in real life and a school teacher currently on the stage, I love to promote all arts but especially theatre to kids of all ages," said Tony winner Kelli O'Hara in a statement. "I love to imagine where the experiences might take them for the evening or maybe even for a lifetime."
"I’ve always believed in sharing theater experiences with kids, having started in theater when I was 7 years old, when no one thought a young deaf girl could be on a stage," added Marlee Matlin. "For me, it’s important to bring all kids to experience theater, hearing, deaf and otherwise abled. Theater is where a child’s imagination knows no barriers and their dreams can come true."
Many Times Square area eateries will offer specials for Kids' Night on Broadway ticket-holders, including free entrees for kids. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for participating restaurants. (Kids' Night will also take place in multiple cities around the country, with different shows and venues putting their own spin on the event, on numerous dates throughout the year.)
