That's right, free. Professional theatres - at least those, like us, of the commercial sort - are almost never able to graduate their admission prices (you know, like "Adults, Students, Children") the way publicly subsidised theatres can. This is a pity, because we all really want very much to encourage young people to come. We want to make sure that the young have opportunities to experience big, bold professional theatre, both because it's a decent, publicly spirited thing to do and, after all, the best way to develop audiences for the future.

Now, at last, just in time for Ontario's new Family Day (Feb. 18), we've been able to work out a deal with all our partners and co-producers and what-have-you to allow parents to bring children with them to selected shows not a mere discount, but absolutely free.

Starting today, an adult purchasing a full-price ticket to WE WILL ROCK YOU, TWELVE ANGRY MEN, or NICHOLAS NICKLEBY (Part 1 and/or Part 2) will receive one ticket of the same value, absolutely free, for a child aged 18 or under. The offer is valid for all performances except for Friday and Saturday evenings, as follows:

WE WILL ROCK YOU- Now through March 2, 2008
(Suggested minimum age 8)
Canon Theatre, 244 Victoria St.
BUY TICKETS to WE WILL ROCK YOU
Enter Promotion Code KIDS

TWELVE ANGRY MEN - On Stage through February 10, 2008
Kids See It Free offer is now only available for performances until January 27
This offer is no longer available for performances from January 29-February 10.
(Suggested minimum age 10)
Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
BUY TICKETS to TWELVE ANGRY MEN
Enter Promotion Code KIDS

NICHOLAS NICKLEBY: Part 1 and Part 2 - February 23 to April 20, 2008
(Suggested minimum age 10)
Princess of Wales Theatre, 300 King Street West
BUY TICKETS to NICHOLAS NICKLEBY: Part 1 and Part 2
Enter Promotion Code KIDS

And why would you want to bring children to any of these shows, I hear you ask? Well... WE WILL ROCK YOU, as everyone knows, is as spectacular a musical as you're likely to see. Featuring a cast of over 30 talented, energetic Canadians, a fun-filled storyline that extols individual expression and warns about the dangers of conformity and some of the best pop songs ever written, this is a show that has already made theatre fans of scores of youngsters.

As for NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, it's epic theatre at its finest. This two-part production brilliantly demonstrates the power of the imagination. It's perfect for high school students, bringing a classic of literature to life.

And as for TWELVE ANGRY MEN, this is an intelligent, thought-provoking and compelling drama with a dynamite cast. For those young people who follow the courtroom and police dramas on television, this is a chance for them to see where the whole genre originated... and to marvel at the fact that no one has ever done it better.

To get in on this, just call TicketKing at 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 or go online to www.mirvish.com. You must quote the promotional code KIDS and tickets must be purchased before February 18, 2008, the date of Ontario's new Family Day holiday. You don't have to see the shows before Feb. 18, but you must make the purchase by then; that's the deal... and here's the fine print:

Offer valid for all performances except for Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets subject to availability; not valid on prior purchases; cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. This offer can be revoked at any time without notice. Limit 8 tickets per order. No refunds or exchanges. All tickets subject to standard service fees and theatre restoration charges. Tickets must be purchased by February 18, 2008, but are valid for the entire engagement of each show (as outlined in the dates above). Some additional restrictions may apply. Performance prices, dates, and times subject to change without notice. ALL SALES FINAL.

And that's it. Aren't you glad we told you about it?

One more thing. When your tickets arrive, each will show a face value of 50% of the full price. That's just the way the mindless computers that print them work, so don't be confused by it... it's just the same as one full-price ticket and one free one.