NYC Mayor Officially Proclaims February 9, 2016 as KIDS' NIGHT ON BROADWAY

The 20th Kids' Night on Broadway takes place in New York City today, February 9th, 2016. Select Broadway shows will offer in-theatre activities for kids including talkbacks, Kids' Night on Broadway activity books, and other exciting events.

Kids' Night on Broadway 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 in-theatre activities, restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs, and more.

A press event "birthday celebration" took place in the afternoon, with kids currently performing on Broadway taking part in the festivities.

Acting Commissioner of The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, Luis Castro, presented a Mayoral Proclamation to The Broadway League citing Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 in the City of New York as "Kids' Night on Broadway."

"Involvement in the performing arts can have a powerful impact on a young person, helping them build confidence, develop their creativity, and learn valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance. I applaud the Broadway League for providing hundreds of thousands of children with an introduction to the arts and ensuring this vital New York City industry continues to thrive. Together, we look forward to another 20 years of amazing performances and even more kids discovering their love of theater," read Acting Commissioner Castro, from the Mayoral Proclamation.

"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. "On average, a million kids (18 or younger) see a Broadway show each season, and now many of them are theatregoing adults."

Participating* shows include: Aladdin, Allegiance, An American in Paris, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Chicago the Musical, The Color Purple, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Disaster!, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Fun Home, Jersey Boys, The King and I, Kinky Boots, The Lion King, LES MISERABLES, Matilda The Musical, Noises Off, On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Something Rotten!, and Wicked. (*subject to change)

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 ON BROADWAY also takes 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. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.

Bway Zone (BwayZone.com) is the new online resource for families who love Broadway - an interactive platform with videos, photos, quizzes, and other content to share with Broadway fans of all ages. Theatregoers can use #BwayZone to share their Kids' Night experience on social media.

THE BROADWAY LEAGUE, founded in 1930, is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. The League's 700-plus members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters, and general managers who present in nearly 200 markets in North America, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to nearly 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U.S. and Canada. The Broadway League has recently added a new category for International membership to collaborate with professionals from around the world who produce and present Broadway quality theatre.

Visit www.BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BroadwayLeague.BROADWAY.ORG is the League's official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC, on tour, and internationally. Download the free Broadway.org mobile app for iOS or Android, and the free IBDB mobile app for iOS or Android.

The Broadway League annually co-presents the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards, one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry.

Broadway theatres are filled with an exciting array of new and classic musicals and plays, providing the perfect experience for every audience. Great seats are available at every price point and are easy to buy online, by phone, or in person at theatre box offices. It's always the perfect time to see a show. Broadway performs every day of the week at multiple curtain times to accommodate every schedule.