Though the organization bills itself as "the biggest thing in little kids," a couple of big kids will come out for TADA!'s 13th annual birthday bash, May 4, at NYC's Puck Building on Lafayette St. Hosting the event for the second year in a row is Tony Randall, of Christmas Carol, A Little Hotel On The Side, M. Butterfly and TV's "Odd Couple" fame.

This year's event honors composer Charles Strouse (Annie, Applause), actress Kim Hunter (A Streetcar Named Desire, An Ideal Husband) and Bob Emmett (a writer for TV's satirical show, "That Was The Week That Was").

Proceeds from the benefit will go to TADA!, New York's only professional youth theatre ensemble. Founded in 1984, the not-for-profit company stages original musicals written by adults but performed by actors aged 8-17 (with most in the 10-14 range). Performers are chosen from open auditions in NYC public schools, many of them in poor, inner-city neighborhoods. Coming out of the TADA! experience have been such performers as Ricki Lake and actor Sean Nelson.

Broadway stars are expected to make an appearance at the benefit, which will also feature a silent auction of such items as Yankee game box seats, and a weekend in the Hamptons.

For tickets ($150-$500) and information on the TADA! Birthday benefit, call (212) 627-1732. --By David Lefkowitz