Bway Zone, Family-Friendly Broadway Theater Site, Launches with Chance to Win Trip to London’s West End

Broadway, New York City, the capital of the theater world. The Broadway League has launched Bdwy Zone, an interactive platform that will feature videos, photos, quizzes, and other Broadway-related content to share with its users © 2015 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

New York – The Broadway League, the national trade association for the theater industry, is launching a new family-friendly initiative called Bway Zone located at BwayZone.com. A website created by the League’s digital and marketing departments, this interactive platform will post videos, photos, quizzes, and other Broadway-related content to share with its users.

Bway Zone is an online/social media conversation about what’s happening on Broadway in NYC, as well as on national tour throughout the US and Canada. Users will  get connected with Broadway shows, stars, and fans; meet the folks who make magic behind the scenes; find out about what other theatregoers are saying; and much more. Whether new to the community or a seasoned Broadway pro, the most important thing is to have fun and explore, share, create, learn, and participate.

One can scroll through the tiles and click on any kind of content or activity to find a mix of posts from individual shows, theatrical websites, other fans, and more — including exclusive original Bway Zone content. Users are encouraged to share on Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms.

“The League is thrilled to be launching a new interactive BwayZone.com platform for family engagement. This new digital platform (think Instagram meets Buzzfeed meets Pinterest with a Broadway twist!) will offer curated engagement with Broadway content especially for families, with opportunities for users to participate in and even create content. There is nothing else like this! The world is changing, and so are we. Our goal is to raise awareness of Broadway among fans of all ages, and to encourage theatregoing as family entertainment. We’re in the pilot stage now while we begin to build momentum, but it’s growing quickly,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of the Broadway League. “Activities including BwayZone, National High School Musical Theatre Awards, Viva Broadway concerts to bring more families through our Family First Nights program and more are part of a strategic plan to engage future audiences in theatre, whether they are in the audience, on stage or backstage.”

Through November 25, 2015, theatergoers have an opportunity to enter for a chance to win a trip for a family of four to see shows on London’s West End. Those who join the BwayZone email list through a special sweepstakes page will be entered for a chance to win the grand prize, which includes: a family of four trip to London, round-trip airfare from any major U.S. city to London via United Airlines, tickets to two West End shows (four tickets per show), and a three-night hotel stay in London’s Rosewood Hotel. Official Rules available on BwayZone.com/sweepstakes. No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. and D.C, age 13 and older. Void in Alaska, Hawaii and where prohibited.

Visit BwayZone.com or follow #BwayZone on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

BwayZone is an official program of the Broadway League and is officially sponsored by The New York Times with additional support from Southern Hospitality BBQ.

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Sugartooth Tours Introduces NYC ‘Bright Lights & Broadway Bites Dessert Tour’

NYC’s Great White Way. Sugartooth Tours has just introduced ‘Bright Lights & Broadway Bites Dessert Tour’ © 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Big Apple is famous for delicious food and its equally amazing Broadway shows! So why not combine two of the greatest activities in New York City? Local dessert tour company, Sugartooth Tours, is doing just that and just in time for the holiday season with visions of sugar plums dancing, is introducing the ‘Bright Lights and Broadway Bites Dessert Tour.’

The duo behind Sugartooth Tours, Sarah Rolleston and Allyson Tolbert, have the chops (no pun intended) and background when it comes to theater and what tastes great. The two have traveled the country touring in theater productions, performed in NYC and tried every dessert possible along the way! The experience resulted in their newest tour, which is perfect for both locals and tourists alike! Currently, Rolleston and Tolbert are active NYC actors and founders of Sugartooth Tours. The ladies have also starred in various local NYC productions and national productions. Local productions include: Musicals Tonight, For Goodness Sake, and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few. National Broadway productions include: The Producers, Beauty and the Beast and Catch Me if You Can.

“What we’ve found on a handful of our tours is that a lot of guests are really interested in our background as New York actors and the history around Broadway,” said Sarah Rolleston, co-founder of Sugartooth Tours. “And what the public wants, the public gets! We thought it would be fun to combine our delicious tours with the history behind the bright lights and feature some tasty stops on the way,” added Tolbert.

So what can one expect on this tour? Each tour will be guided by real NYC actors who are also licensed tour guides through the Theater District for the inside scoop on Broadway and the theatre district’s history. Also along the way, interesting tid-bits will be shared about the shows that are currently playing on Broadway. Tour-goers are encouraged to catch a tour before or after a matinee on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The tour will run year-round and tickets will be available the first week in November.

“Guests are guaranteed to have a great time on this tour. Whether you’re a theater buff or a dessert connoisseur, we have you covered! We’re excited to share insider info, like where you can spot Broadway stars, and of course there’s dessert!” continued Rolleston. “We’ll be focusing on New York classics as well as some unusual finds as we stop at classic delis, old school favorite theater haunts, and tucked away bakeries.”

Sure there may be other Theater District/Broadway walking tours, but there’s only one that gives you a literal taste of NYC and a first-hand background on what goes on behind the red curtain. Sugartooth Tours has your ticket.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sugartoothtours.com.

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Tickets now on Sale for 2015 Kids’ Night on Broadway; Actress Judith Light Named Ambassador

Judith Light, a two-time Tony Award winner, will serve as the 2015 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY National Ambassador. The 19th KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY will take place Jan. 9-15, 2015 (photo by j.w.stoller).

The Broadway League announced today that Judith Light, a two-time Tony Award^® winner, will serve as the 2015 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® National Ambassador. The 19^th KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY will take place Friday, January 9, 2015 to Thursday, January 15, 2015. Tickets to participating shows are available now.

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY is an annual event 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, educational programs, and some very special events still to be announced.

Participating shows (subject to change) include:

Aladdin, Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Chicago, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder, Honeymoon in Vegas, If/Then, Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, Les Misérables, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Matilda The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera, On the Town, Pippin, Rock of Ages, Side Show, and Wicked.

Many Times Square area eateries will offer specials for KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY ticket-holders. Check back to kidsnightonbroadway.com for specific dates and locations.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Judith Light, a two-time Tony Award winner who we love to see on the stages of Broadway, will be our 2015 Kids’ Night on Broadway National Ambassador,” said Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of the Broadway League. “In addition to her award-winning talents and impressive Broadway credentials, she portrayed one of the all-time favorite moms on a popular TV series. Her passion and involvement with Point Foundation reiterates her devotion and commitment to education.”

Judith Light was awarded her second back-to-back Tony Award^â for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for The Assembled Parties in 2013. She also starred in Other Desert Cities in 2012 for which she won her first Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play. She was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in 2011, for starring in Lombardi. Light’s television career began with her two time Best Actress Emmy turn on “One Life to Live”, followed by the comedy series, ” Who’s the Boss.” She played Claire Meade in the Emmy winning ABC series, “Ugly Betty” and was Emmy nominated for her performance.  She is currently on the groundbreaking new Amazon Studio’s series, “Transparent” which premiered the entire first season for binge watching on September 26, 2014.  A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a BFA, Judith has worked in repertory theaters throughout the United States and Canada, as well as a USO Tour of “Guys and Dolls” performed throughout Europe.

Judith has been an activist in relation to many causes, especially fighting the AIDS pandemic and championing equal rights, including: Broadway Cares: Equity Fights AIDS, The Names Project/The AIDS Memorial Quilt, CDC’s Business Responds to AIDS/Labor Responds to AIDS, Project Angel Food, the Hunger Project, the Matthew Shepard Foundation, the National Aids Memorial Grove, Drama League National Advisory Council, the Trevor Project, FCNL and many others.  She has also been a longtime board member of the Point Foundation that gives scholarships to LGBT youth.

“Broadway has always been and always will be such an important part of my life. I love the magic that happens on the stage, the joy of bringing unique and creative stories to life, and the opportunity to participate in such a welcoming, friendly community that shares a deep passion for the art of theatre,” said Judith Light. “I’m also thrilled that we can bring a focus to LGBT equality through the collaboration with Point Foundation, an organization deserving of recognition for their efforts to promote the continued education of LGBT students.”

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.

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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Idina Menzel Named National Ambassador of Kids’ Night on Broadway 2014

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

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

“When I first went to Broadway, it was a life-changing experience. 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,” said Menzel, “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.”

Idina Menzel 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’s voice can currently be heard in the hit Disney animated film, Frozen.  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.

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.

KIDS GO FREE AT MADAME TUSSAUDS NEW YORK with a Free Child All Access Pass (ages 4 -12) with the purchase of a Full Price Adult All Access Pass when presenting theater tickets to a participating Kids Night on Broadway show. For more information, visit kidsnightonbroadway.com/fans.

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/across for specific dates and locations.

The 18^th KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY kicks off in New York City from 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.

Participating shows (to date, subject to change, and some shows not available for all performances)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, Outside Mullingar, 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., Casa Nonna, Ceci Italian Restaurant, Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, Glass House Tavern, Guy’s American Kitchen and Grill, Havana Central, 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 generously 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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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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Gift of Travel: Broadway Fantasy Camp Offers Gift Certificate to ‘Phantom’ Program

For you or the theater lover in your life, you can give the holiday gift of “Music of the Night.”

Broadway Fantasy Camp is holding an “All-Day Broadway: Phantom” on March 22, 2014 and offering a $150 gift certificate (toward the $995 tuition), if you call by Dec. 23.

Discover the power of the “music of the night” — by performing it. In the Broadway Fantasy Camp rehearsal studio, you experience the theatrical magic behind The Phantom of the Opera: the costumes, the vocal fireworks, guided by veterans of this modern classic. You’ll learn and present musical numbers for friends and family. Then, at 8 PM, you’ll attend The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, seated in VIP seats.

• Begin the day by meeting the Broadway Fantasy Camp staff, including your Musical Director and Choreographer.
• Learn musical numbers, including vocals and dance moves. The Musical Director and Choreographer will work with you on a couple of songs for your presentation.
• Photo call: get professional headshots
• Broadway Fantasy Campers and Broadway professionals take a lunch break together. (included)
• Broadway Banter: Meet company members from The Phantom of the Opera and discuss their work on Broadway.
• Share your “masquerade” with friends and family! The presentation takes place in our rehearsal studio.
• Take a break, and get ready for Saturday night in the Big Apple.
• Enjoy “the music of the night!” We’ll arrange your VIP tickets to see The Phantom of the Opera. (included)
• Post show champagne toast* at Sardi’s restaurant
• Take home your own Broadway Fantasy Camp rehearsal bag, photos and memories to last a life time.

The program costs $995.

As a holiday gift from Broadway Fantasy Camp, you can get a $150 Gift Certificate for “All-Day Broadway: Phantom” (refer a friend and they’ll get the same offer). Call (212) 713-0366 by December 23 to take advantage of this gift certificate!

Visit broadwayfancamp.com.

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Virgin Vacations Offers London Theatre Package From $1,499 for 6 Days, with Air

Virgin Vacations is offering theater lovers a one-week London-based vacation package beginning at $1,499 per person, including air fare from New York.  Round trip air fare is also available from a variety of gateways throughout the U.S. via Virgin Atlantic and Delta Airlines, beginning at $59 additional for Boston.

Designed for independent travelers, the packages are part of Virgin Vacations’ UK Collection, with prices ranging from budget to luxury.

From Budget to Luxury: Virgin’s London, Culture & Theatre Tour, 6 days from $1,499

Highlights of this package include a London Theatre Passport, exchangeable for one best-available ticket to participating musicals and plays.  Also featured is a full day excursion to Bath, Windsor, and Stonehenge, plus a half-day Vintage Open Bus sightseeing tour of London.  Travelers stay 4 nights at the Ambassadors Hotel in Kensington, with breakfast daily and transfers to and from Heathrow Airport.  Price includes round trip air fare from New York on Virgin Atlantic. Depending on departure date, price begins at $1,499 per person.

In addition to the 6-day package, a longer version, Virgin’s 8-day London Theatre Experience,
features 6 nights accommodations with breakfast, round trip air on Virgin Atlantic from New York,  Heathrow transfers, the theatre pass, London sightseeing tour, full-day excursion to Bath, Windsor, and Stonehenge, plus an additional all-day tour to Oxford, Stratford, Warwick, and the Cotswolds.  Depending on departure date, price begins at $1,759 per person.

Virgin Vacations participants can upgrade hotel accommodations beginning at $30 and ranging to $610 per person, depending on the hotel; as well as select from optional arrangements such as a ride on The London Eye, beginning at $30. Both packages are available until late October.

Sample add-on fares from other gateways:
Atlanta + $214
Boston + $59
Dallas/Fort Worth + $229
Los Angeles + $192
Miami + $127
Minneapolis/St. Paul + $ 231
San Francisco + $ 235
Washington, D.C. + $26

Airfare is available from other cities nationwide.  With the new Delta Airlines-Virgin Atlantic code share, Virgin Vacations guests can now fly from 45 U.S. cities to London.

All prices are per person, and based on twin occupancy. Airline taxes and fuel charges are included. For more information and to book a UK Collection vacation, visit www.virginvacations.com, phone 1-877-740-4302, or see your travel agent.

Virgin Vacations offers a wide selection of escorted tours, river and sea cruises, and independent packages worldwide, available with or without air fare on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and Virgin America, as well as other international airline partners.  Virgin Vacations travelers can enroll in Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club or Virgin America’s Elevate frequent flyer programs, and earn points.

For information on other worldwide destinations available through Virgin Vacations, visit www.virginvacations.com.  As a member of the U.S. Tour Operators Association, Virgin Vacations protects travelers’ payments up to $1 Million through the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program.

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New Broadway League Website, App Offer One-Stop Shopping for Theater Tickets in NYC and Across North America

The Broadway League has launched BROADWAY.ORG, a comprehensive resource dedicated to providing theatre-goers around the world with information about all Broadway shows—both in New York and across North America © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Broadway League has launched BROADWAY.ORG, a comprehensive resource dedicated to providing theatre-goers around the world with information about all Broadway shows—both in New York and across North America.

BROADWAY.ORG combines two previously existing sites: ilovenytheater.com, specifically targeted to Broadway shows in New York, and touringbroadway.com, which was the League’s official website for Touring Broadway productions in nearly 200 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. With improved functionality, the new site continues to be the official source of information and provider of direct access to all things Broadway.

“BROADWAY.ORG furthers the notion that Broadway is a state of mind rather than a set geographical location. Our ultimate goal is to provide a premier one-stop consumer site for show information and official ticketing links, combining Broadway and Touring Broadway in a central location and under a single site identity,” says Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League. “If you want to see a Broadway show, regardless if you are home or out-of-town, you can go to BROADWAY.ORG to find out where and when it’s playing and easily buy your tickets from the authorized source.”

The new site features a deep integration between the New York City and touring shows. Site users can locate theatres across North America where Broadway shows are playing, and link to their official sites for more information. If they are on the page for a Broadway show, they will also be able to easily view its upcoming tour stops; and when on the page for a show on tour, will be able to see that it is also playing in New York and get information on that production.

The new site provides up-to-date show and theatre information in six languages, a guide to hotel and dining options in Manhattan’s Theatre District, and general information about Broadway theatre-going. It provides access to show tickets at all price points to current and upcoming shows, direct from the theatres’ official ticketing offices in real time, without broker markups.

The thoroughness and simplicity of the new site can be demonstrated with numerous features that are easy to navigate including: Google Maps and social media integration, the ability to search by location, an interactive map of the NYC theatre district and multi-media galleries. The League will be able to communicate timely announcements such as holiday schedules, weather advisories, updates on programs such as Kids’ Night on Broadway^®, and more.

The site also features a mobile app for Broadway in New York and later this year an enhanced app to include touring data is being planned. The League’s Digital and Technology team created the new site with the aid of website design firm Lounge Lizard.

For more than a century, Broadway has been considered the pinnacle of live theatrical entertainment. Broadway is where America’s greatest playwrights, composers, lyricists, actors, singers, dancers, directors, designers, and choreographers bring great plays and musicals to life. Touring Broadway encompasses first-class, professional productions that bring these shows to fans across North America.

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Stars of ‘Chicago’ to meet Broadway Fantasy Campers During ‘All-Day Broadway: Chicago Session,’ April 13

 

Have an urge to see your name in lights on Broadway? Broadway Fantasy Camp is the ultimate experience for any adult looking to savor the spotlight down center or in the chorus, despite talent or experience level. At Broadway Fantasy Camp, theater lovers will experience the “Razzle Dazzle” as they spend a day immersed in the world of the Broadway musical © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Broadway favorite Amra-Faye Wright, now starring as “Velma Kelly” in CHICAGO at the Ambassador Theatre, will meet with Broadway Fantasy Camp participants during their All-Day Broadway: Chicago Session on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in Manhattan.

 

Joining Wright is Gabriela Garcia, who has played “Hunyak” on Broadway. The Musical Director is Howard Levitsky, Associate Conductor for CHICAGO in North America and abroad.

 

Broadway Fantasy Camp is the ultimate experience for any adult looking to savor the spotlight down center or in the chorus, despite talent or experience level. At Broadway Fantasy Camp, theater lovers will experience the “Razzle Dazzle” as they spend a day immersed in the world of this infectious musical.

 

From the moment Broadway Fantasy Camp begins, the authenticity is apparent. Participants meet in a Broadway rehearsal studio just like they’ve seen on Smash!   Broadway Fantasy Camp‘s staff of Broadway professionals works with participants to create a customized presentation, to be presented for family and friends. As a bonus, professional headshots will be taken.

 

To understand the full breadth of the Broadway experience, participants will visit with Amra-Faye Wright, Gabriela Garcia, and additional behind-the-scenes talent who help stage Broadway musicals.

 

After the Broadway Fantasy Camp presentation is complete, participants will enjoy CHICAGO from their VIP seats, and the celebration continues at Broadway Fantasy Camp’s very own post-show champagne reception at Sardi’s.

 

Information regarding upcoming 2013 sessions, gift certificates, and booking information may be found at www.BroadwayFanCamp.com, by emailing joinus@broadwayfancamp.com, or calling 212-713-0366.

 

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Kelly Ripa, Michael Strahan named Ambassadors for KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY; tickets now on sale

Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, hosts of “LIVE with Kelly and Michael” named National Ambassadors of Kids’ Night on Broadway. The event was a celebration of Kids Night on Broadway, which allows children to get free Broadway tickets from February 25th-March 3rd when accompanied by a full-paying adult. Cast members from Annie, The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Newsies were in attendance to promote their shows as participants (photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Startraksphoto.com)

The Broadway League announced that Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan, co-hosts of Emmy Award-winning talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael,” will serve as the 2013 KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY® National Ambassadors.

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 free pre-theatre parties, restaurant discounts, parking discounts, educational programs, and more.

Tickets are now on sale at KidsNightonBroadway.com

Actress and popular television personality Kelly Ripa and legendary NFL star and sports broadcaster Michael Strahan are both huge Broadway fans and excited to be the National Ambassadors for this year’s KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY. 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.

“Broadway has always been magical to me, and it was a joy to share that magic with my own kids,” said Kelly Ripa. “I’m thrilled to be part of a program that exposes children to all of the things that I love about the theatre.”

“I’m honored to serve with Kelly as this year’s Ambassadors for Kids’ Night on Broadway. I have huge respect for Broadway performers. In the theater, as in sports, the hard work, discipline and focus it takes to be a success are important fundamentals for kids to learn, and these actors and dancers are great role models for kids,” said Michael Strahan.

Kids’ Night on Broadway tickets available for participating shows on:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2013

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2013

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2013

SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2013

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2013

Participating shows  (to date) include:

BROADWAY: Ann, Annie, Chicago, Hands on a Hardbody, Jersey Boys, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Newsies, Once, The Phantom of the Opera, Rock of Ages, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, Wicked.

OFF-BROADWAY: Avenue Q, Forever Dusty, The Gazillion Bubble Show, Stomp

(The list is subject to change and some shows are not available for all performances.)

Many Times Square-area eateries will offer specials for Kids’ Night on Broadway ticket-holders. Restaurant updates: www.kidsnightonbroadway.com/restaurants.php

Participating restaurants (to date) include:

Angus McIndoe, B. Smith’s, Blue Fin, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Casa Nonna, Ҫa Va Brasserie, Ceci Italian Restaurant, Cock & Bull, Connolly’s Pub and Restaurant, db Bistro Moderne, Glass House Tavern, Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, Heartland Brewery & Chophouse, Little Town Restaurant Row, Matt’s Grill, Playwright Tavern, Ruby Foo’s, Ruby Tuesday, Schnipper’s, Tasti-D-Lite, Toloache, Tony’s DiNapoli, Trattoria Trecolori, and Virgil’s Real BBQ.

Kids Night on Broadway is presented by The Broadway League. Founded in 1930, The Broadway League 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. For more information, visit BroadwayLeague.com, or follow The Broadway League on Twitter @TheBwayLeague or on Facebook at facebook.com/BroadwayLeague. Download the free ILoveNYTheater app and free IBDB app for iPhone, iPad, and iTouch on iTunes.

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