Special Events for Kids Night On Broadway, Feb 24-Mar 2, Revealed

Idina Menzel from Broadway’s new musical If/Then is the 2014 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® National Ambassador. The 18th KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY will take place February 24 to March 2, 2014.

The Broadway League has just announced special events scheduled to take place during KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY®, Monday, February 24, 2014 to Sunday, March 2, 2014.

Kids ages 6 to 18 can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. A KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY ticket includes restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs, and special events including: KidsVuz Broadway video contest, Schmackary’s “Official Cookie of Kids’ Night on Broadway” casting, Madam Tussauds New York all-access pass for kids, and Google+ hangouts with Broadway casts.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY is an audience development program created by The Broadway League to make theatre accessible, encourage theatre as a form of family entertainment, and build larger audiences for the future.

KidzVuz Broadway Video Contest

Kids’ Night on Broadway and KidzVuz.com are inviting kids age 6-18 to create original videos on three suggested Broadway topics. Submitted videos will be entered for a chance win all kinds of Broadway prizes, including tickets to a participating KNOB show.  Contest rules are posted on kidsnightonbroadway.com.

In the weeks leading up to Kids’ Night on Broadway, videos of cast members from some of this years’ participating shows will be posted, talking about their favorite Broadway memories and why they love Broadway!

Schmackary’s Creates the First-Ever Kids’ Night Cookie

Kids will get a chance to help decide what the Official Cookie of Kids’ Night on Broadway will be by casting a vote via Facebook from January 27^th to January 31st. Then, from February 24^th to March 2^nd, kids can visit Schmackary’s at 362 W 45th Street to get the special Kids’ Night on Broadway cookie for free with the purchase of a regular-priced cookie (must show KNOB ticket). A sweet surprise: Broadway talent will be on hand to greet kids and sell cookies for a good cause. A portion of proceeds from each day’s event will go to the participating shows’ charities of choice.  There will also be a free Kids’ Night on Broadway activity book provided by the New York Times.

Madame Tussauds New York

Kids go for free at Madam Tussauds New York with a Free Child All Access Pass with the purchase of a Full Price Adult All Access Pass when presenting theatre tickets to a participating Kids’ Night on Broadway show.

For more information, kidsnightonbroadway.com/fans.

Hang Out with the Stars on Google+

Meet the stars and go behind the scenes with first-ever Kids’ Night on Broadway Google+ Hangout Series. During the week of Kids’ Night on Broadway, kids can participate in hangouts with cast, crew, and creative staff from this year’s participating shows. Exact date and talent to be announced soon. Updates will be found on  KidsNightonBroadway.com.

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel from Broadway’s new musical If/Then is the 2014 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® National Ambassador. She made her Broadway debut in the Pulitzer Prize-winner, Rent, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award^â and followed that with her Tony Award-winning performance in Wicked, which she subsequently brought to London’s West End. Other New York stage work includes See What I Wanna See (Public), The Wild Party (MTC), and Hair (Encores).  She will make her highly anticipated return to the Broadway stage this March in the new musical, If/Then.  Menzel recently received rave reviews for her performance voicing Elsa, the Snow Queen, in the animated feature Frozen, in which she sings the Oscar-nominated song “Let it Go.” On film, she recreated her role of Maureen Johnson in Chris Columbus’ film version of Rent, and has appeared in movies as varied as Enchanted and Ask the Dust.  On television, Menzel recurred over multiple seasons of “Glee” and has guest-starred in numerous other shows. She starred in her own PBS special, “Barefoot at the Symphony,” with an accompanying album. Menzel recently concluded a highly successful international concert tour with a sold out performance at Carnegie Hall.  In addition to cast albums, Menzel’s prolific recording career includes solo albums: PBS Special; I Stand; Here; and Still I Can’t Be Still.

In 2010, Idina Menzel founded “A Broader Way Foundation,” a not-for-profit dedicated to offering girls from urban communities an outlet for self-expression and creativity through arts-centered programs, with an emphasis on building self-esteem, developing leadership qualities and striving for personal and social achievement. Kids’ Night on Broadway is proud to salute A Broadway Way Foundation as this year’s cause-related component. Visit ABroaderWay.org for more information.

Participating shows (to date) include:

BROADWAY: 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, The Phantom of the Opera, Pippin, Rock of Ages, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Wicked. OFF-BROADWAY: Avenue Q, iLuminate, Murder for Two, Stomp.

Many Times Square area eateries will offer specials for Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket-holders.

Participating restaurants (to date) include:

Blue Fin, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Café Un Deux Trois, Casa Nonna, Ceci Italian Restaurant, Churrascaria Plataforma, 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, Ted’s Montana Grill,The Lambs Club, Toloache, Tony’s Di Napoli, Trattoria Tre Colori, Virgil’s Real BBQ.

For more information, 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 new official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC and on tour. Download the free Broadway.org mobile app for iOS or Android, and the free IBDB mobile app for iOS or Android.

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Broadway League Announces Shows for ‘Kids’ Night On Broadway 2014′; Tix on Sale Jan. 8

The Great White Way, New York City © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Broadway League announced today the shows participating in the 18^th KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY, which will take place Monday, February 24, 2014 to Sunday, March 2, 2014. Tickets to participating shows will be available to the public starting Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 10 a.m. ET.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY is when kids ages 6 to 18 can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. A KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY ticket includes restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs, and some very special events still to be announced.

Theatre fans can join the Broadway Fan Club at BroadwayFanclub.com for special pre-sale opportunities.

Participating shows* (to date) include:

BROADWAY: 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, The Phantom of the Opera, Pippin, Rock of Ages, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Wicked. OFF-BROADWAY: iLuminate, Murder for Two, Stomp (subject to change, and some shows not available for all performances).

Many Times Square area eateries will offer specials for Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket-holders.

Participating restaurants (to date) include:

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, Virgil’s Real BBQ. 

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY®, a program of The Broadway League, is presented by The New York Times and is officially sponsored by WABC-TV, and Official kids’ media partner, KidzVuz. Media partners are Z100, Telemundo Nueva York, and Metro-North Railroad. Additional support is provided by Madame Tussauds New York and Schmackary’s, the official cookie of Kids’ Night.

For more information, 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 new official on-line headquarters for Broadway in NYC and on tour. Download the free Broadway.org mobile app for iOS or Android, and the free IBDB mobile app for iOS or Android.

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Tickets for 2014 Kids Night On Broadway Go On Sale Jan. 8

The 2014 Kids’ Night on Broadway, when kids ages 6 to 18 can see participating Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult, will take place Feb. 24 to Mar. 2, 2014 © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Broadway League announced today that the dates for 2014 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® will be from Monday, February 24, 2014 to Sunday, March 2, 2014. Tickets to participating shows will be available to the public on Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Theatre fans who join The Broadway Fan Club at BroadwayFanclub.com are eligible for special pre-sale opportunities.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY 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.

The 18^th annual KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY will kick off in New York City. Details and participating shows to be announced.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY 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. Check kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.

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Broadway Dims Lights in Memory of Legendary Producer Martin Richards

The Broadway theater community pays the highest tribute by dimming the lights of Broadway to honor the memory of legendary producer Martin Richards.

The Broadway community will pay the highest honor to  celebrated producer Martin Richards, who passed away yesterday at age 80. The marquees of Broadway theaters in New York will be dimmed in his memory tonight, Tuesday, November 27^th, at exactly 7 p.m. for one minute.

Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League, said, “For over 50 years, Marty Richards has been transferring his passion for theatre to the stage. The popularity of his shows has brought many generations to Broadway. He was an admirer of talent, and we were an admirer of his. His love for the arts was matched only by his generosity and philanthropic causes. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Mr. Richards produced such Broadway hits as ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, SWEENEY TODD, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (original and 1st revival), GRAND HOTEL, THE LIFE, WILL ROGERS FOLLIES amongst many others. His shows have won over 40 Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards^® as well as numerous Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. In addition, his production of CRIMES OF THE HEART garnered a Pulitzer Prize. Richards was the producer of the original CHICAGO on Broadway and went on to win an Academy Award for producing the film version in 2003. His other films include THE SHINING, BOYS FROM BRAZIL, and FORT APACHE, THE BRONX.

Richards was also a generous philanthropist. He, along with his late wife Mary Lea Johnson Richards, was instrumental in founding Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Meals on Wheels. Richards went on to establish the liver and kidney transplant unit at the NYU Medical Center that bears his wife’s name. Richards also created the New York Center for Children to care for abused children and their families.

 

Martin Richards was the head of the film and theatrical production company, The Producer Circle, which he founded with his late wife Mary Lea Johnson in 1976. Their first musical, On The Twentieth Century, directed by Harold Prince, won five Tony Awards. Their next, Sweeney Todd, also directed by Mr. Prince, won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. They co-produced the Pulitzer Prize winning Crimes Of The Heart, Foxfire, for which Jessica Tandy received the Best Actress Tony Award, Grand Hotel, directed and choreographed by Tommy Tune, which won five Tony Awards, and the hit Off Broadway musicals, March Of The Falsettos and Mayor.

 

Mr. Richards has also co-produced the Obie Award winning Dylan, which starred Rue McClanahan, Bob Fosse’s Chicago, which was nominated for eleven Tonys and won Best Musical in London and Los Angeles, The Norman Conquests, which received the Outer Critics Circle Award, La Cage aux Folles, which won six Tonys, including Best Musical, and The Will Rogers Follies, again with Tommy Tune directing and choreographing, which won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Best Of Friends, starring Diana Douglas, which he produced with Michael Douglas, Sally Marr …and her escorts, which starred Joan Rivers, who received a Best Actress Tony Nomination, the Cy Coleman musical The Life, which received Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Awards for Best Musical, and Sweet Smell Of Success, directed by Nicholas Hytner, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, adapted from the film by John Guare, with music and lyrics by Marvin Hamlisch and Craig Carnelia.

 

He also co-produced the Tony Award winning revival of La Cage aux Folles, which starred Gary Beach and Robert Goulet, and was directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, and Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life, starring the legendary Chita Rivera, with book by Terrance McNally, directed & choreographed by Graciela Daniele. Mr. Richards’ stage productions have received thirty-six Tony Awards, The Pulitzer Prize, seven Outer Critic Circle Awards, and two New York Drama Critics Awards.

Mr. Richards’ film productions include The Boys From Brazil, which was directed by Franklin Schaffner and starred Gregory Peck and Laurence Olivier, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, which starred Jack Nicholson, Fort Apache, The Bronx, which starred Paul Newman, and the musical Chicago, directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall, starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta Jones and Richard Gere, which received three Broadcast Critic’s Choice Awards, including Best Picture, three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture, The Producers Guild of America Darryl F. Zanuck Award as Best Producer of 2002, the Directors Guild of America Award for Rob Marshall’s direction, and six Academy Awards, including Best Picture of 2002.

Mr. Richards was a member of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and served on the Board of Governors of the League of American Theaters and Producers. In 1997, Mayor Giuliani appointed him to a six-year term as a member of The Trust for Cultural Resources of the City of New York. He was also a member of the Mayor’s Advisory Council for Theatre.

Mr. Richards served on the President’s Council for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, and is on the Board of Directors of Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS. In 1994, in memory of his wife, he established the Mary Lea Johnson Richards Institute at New York University Medical Center for organ transplantation and research, and in 1995, also in memory of his wife, he co-founded the Children’s Advocacy Center of Manhattan, New York City’s only non-profit center for abused children. For the past eight years he produced the annual Red Ball, one of New York’s premiere charitable events, which benefits both the Institute and the Advocacy Center.

Mr. Richards most recently produced the new musical, Big Maybelle: Soul of the Blues starring Lillias White at The Bay Street Theatre this August.

 

Marty was the beloved son of the late Sidney and Shirley Klein and is survived by his brother Bruce Klein, his niece Lisa Kirschner and nephew Sean Klein. Other family survivors include Mrs. Elaine Johnson Wold, Diana Johnson Firestone, and J. Seward Johnson, Jr. Mr. Richards was a man of the world and will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral services will be held at Frank Campbell Funeral Chapel at 1076 Madison Avenue. Visitation hours will be Wednesday, November 28 from 7-9pm and Thursday, November 29 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.

Donations may be made in Richards’ name to either the New York Center for Children or the Mary Lea Johnson Richards Research Institute.

‘BROADWAY INSIDE AND OUT’ OFFERS FALL WORKSHOPS TO HONE MUSICAL THEATRE SKILLS

Want to see your name in lights on Broadway? Broadway Inside and Out, presented by Broadway Classroom, offers the opportunity to study with current Broadway performers, learn music and choreography and see a Broadway show. © 2010 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

For young people who grew up watching “High School Musical,” and have graduated to “Glee,” and dream of a musical theatre career – or those who just want to have fun learning a song and dance routine – performing on Broadway is one step closer to reality.  Broadway Inside and Out, presented by Broadway Classroom, is an innovative program that allows promising young artists at every skill level an opportunity to study with current Broadway performers, learn music and choreography and see a Broadway show.

Broadway Inside and Out’s fall workshop and theatre schedule begins on Saturday, September 25, 2010, featuring the Tony Award-winning Billy Elliot; followed by the Broadway classic, West Side Story, on Saturday, October 9, and the Tony Award-winning In the Heights on Saturday, November 13.  (December workshop to be announced shortly.)

Each Broadway Inside and Out theatre workshop is priced at $165 per person and begins with the three-hour workshop with a Broadway professional at 9 a.m., followed by lunch at Planet Hollywood and a ticket to see the featured musical.  Students, ideal for ages 10 and up, will learn music and choreography from the show, talk one-on-one with Broadway professionals about careers in theatre and have an opportunity for photos and autographs.

Over the course of the three-hour workshop, participants will be challenged by working theatre professionals to surpass the level at which they are currently performing by developing skills to learn music and choreography not just quickly, but simultaneously.  Team work, listening skills, self-expression, self-esteem and confidence are just some of what students will learn in this high-energy, nurturing and rewarding experience.

“The new Broadway Inside and Out program directly addresses the explosion of interest in musical theatre among young people,” said Carl Prince, executive vice president of Broadway.com/Groups.   “As a result, we’re seeing highly interested ‘students’ at every talent level who love the opportunity to learn and be challenged by a real Broadway insider and, most importantly, to have fun while they’re doing it.”

The deadline for applications for the September 25 Billy Elliot workshop is August 15; for the October 9 West Side Story workshop, applications are due September 1; and October 6 for the November 13 In The Heights workshop.   Schedules, information and applications are available at www.broadwayclassroom.com.  Workshops are held at Pearl Studios, 500 Eighth Avenue, 12^th Floor, New York City.

About Broadway Classroom – Since 1998, more than 300,000 students and adults have experienced Broadway Classroom, a series of private workshops for both individuals and groups designed to enhance the Broadway experience.  As the leader in educational Broadway workshops, Broadway Classroom’s goal is to inspire students to bring the performing arts to life not only during the workshop, but also in their daily lives.  Broadway Classroom is a division of Broadway.com/Groups.  For more information visit www.broadwayclassroom.com.