Andrews & Hamilton are Ambassadors for 'Kids' Night,' 11/3

Tickets for this year's "Kids' Night on Broadway," the annual event during which young people ages 6 to 18 can attend a Broadway show for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult, will go on sale November 3, 2006. 

The event, including a Pre-Theater Fan Festival at Madame Tussauds, will take place in New York City on Tuesday, January 30 and Wednesday, January 31, 2007.  "Kids' Night" events will also occur nationwide throughout the year.  This year's "Kids' Night "will also help shine a spotlight on the growing prevalence of autism and the work of Autism Speaks, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of this disorder and raising money to fund autism research.

Internationally recognized film and stage star Julie Andrews (films The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, My Fair Lady and Camelot on Broadway) and daughter Emma Walton Hamilton will serve as National Ambassadors for this year's "Kids' Night."

"Andrews knows a great deal about kids and theatre, having come from a theatrical family, and starting her theatrical career before she was 10 years old.  Ms. Hamilton is a founder of the Bay Street Theatre in Sag Harbor, NY, where she is the theatre's director of education and programming for young audiences.  Together they have collaborated on a number of books, including The Great American Mousical, which underscores the important connection between young people and Broadway," according to press notes.

"Emma and I are thrilled to be associated with this wonderful program, which helps to expose young people to the wonderful world of Broadway theatre," commented Ms. Andrews.  "Since its inception, over 200,000 people have participated in 'Kids' Night' in New York alone, and we look forward to reaching even more families with the message that there is no greater entertainment than Broadway."  

"As an educator myself, it is a privilege to help bring this important initiative to even more parents, caregivers and young people, encouraging a lifelong passion for theatre," added Ms. Hamilton.

There are 24 shows participating in Kids' Night, including Altar Boyz, Avenue Q, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, The Color Purple, Company, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Fantasticks, Grey Gardens, Hairspray, Jay Johnson: The Two and Only!, Les Misérables, The Lion King, The Little Dog Laughed, Mamma Mia!, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Monty Python's Spamalot, The Phantom of the Opera, The Producers, Rent, Stomp, Tarzan, Translations, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

"Kids' Night on Broadway" is the most popular audience development program initiated by The League of American Theatres and Producers, Inc.," commented Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director, The League of American Theatres & Producers, Inc.  ""Since its inception, 'Kids' Night' has carried the message that Broadway is an open and accessible experience for both kids and adults.  In the 2005-2006 season, children and teens accounted for nearly 1.2 million tickets sold in New York alone."

This year, "Kids' Night on Broadway," in partnership with Autism Speaks, will strive to increase awareness about autism, the nation's fastest growing developmental disorder.  Autism now affects one in every 166 children, including 1 in every 104 boys.    The League of American Theatres & Producers will include information about Autism Speaks and its work on printed materials, on its websites, and at the fanfest events at Madame Tussauds.   The Broadway community will be donating their talent to special artwork to be auctioned off in the spring, with the proceeds going to Autism Speaks.

With the purchase of "Kids' Night "theatre tickets, families will be offered tons of free or discounted family fun including a Pre-Theater Fan Festival with Broadway performances at Madame Tussauds, held on both January 30 and 31.

The Fan Festival will commence at 3:00 p.m. on January 30, and 4:00 p.m. on January 31, and will afford young people the opportunity to experience how live theatre is created through special activities hosted by the cast and crew of participating shows.  Some activities include special theatrical makeup stations, Broadway dance lessons, karaoke, and many other unique theatre activities. Many Broadway stars will also be on hand to sign autographs in Autograph Alley.  Fans also get to tour Madame Tussauds for free.

To purchase tickets, more information or to view the list of discounted restaurants and parking garages, log on to www.kidsnightonbroadway.com or call the Broadway Line (1-888-Broadway).  Tickets can also be purchased via Telecharge.com or Ticketmaster (depending on ticket agent), or at the individual theatre boxes.

"Kids' Night on Broadway "is also a national program that takes place throughout the winter and spring months when touring Broadway shows come to town.  For more information on touring Broadway shows participating in Kids' Night, visit www.kidsnightonbroadway.com or call the Broadway Line (1-888-Broadway).