"When I first went to Broadway, it was a life-changing experience," said Menzel in a statement. "There's something magical about walking through the theatre district and seeing the marquees and the lights. Nothing compares to a live Broadway performance! As an adult, I still have that nostalgic feeling I had as a child. It's important that kids come to theatre because they get to see life through different characters. The arts are so important in general, and I'm so grateful that my career awards me with so many special opportunities to connect with young people. I'm honored to be the Kids' Night on Broadway National Ambassador and extra thrilled that this year's cause-related component is our arts-centered foundation, A Broader Way, which enables expression, empowerment, and enlightenment. As does Broadway."
Participating shows (to date) include Broadway's Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, The Bridges of Madison County, Bronx Bombers, Chicago, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Matilda the Musical, Motown the Musical, Newsies, A Night with Janis Joplin, Once, Outside Mullingar, The Phantom of the Opera, Pippin, Rock of Ages, Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella and Wicked as well as Off-Broadway's Avenue Q, iLuminate, Murder for Two and Stomp.
Tickets will be available for these shows on seven nights: Feb. 24-28 and March 1-2. Tickets are now on sale.
Kids' Night, according to the League, "is when kids ages 6 to 18 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.
Many Times Square area eateries will offer specials for Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket holders, including Blue Fin, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Casa Nonna, Ceci Italian Restaurant, Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, Glass House Tavern, Guy’s American Kitchen and Grill, Hurley’s, Le Rivage, Matt’s Grill, Nanking Asian Fusion, Pergola Des Artistes, Playwright’s Tavern, Playwright’s Celtic Pub and Restaurant, Ruby Foos Times Square, Ruby Tuesdays, Schnipper’s, Southern Hospitality BBQ, Tasti-D-Lite, The Lambs Club, Toloache, Trattoria Tre Colori and Virgil’s Real BBQ. The 18th annual Kids' Night will kick off in New York City. Kids' Night on Broadway will also take place in various cities around the country, with different shows and venues putting their own spin on the event. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.
