News: Disney Store Redux, $20 Theater Tickets, A New Old-Style Soda Fountain, Doodle 4 Google Contest

In our last news roundup, we told you about three different theater ticket deals, including two-for-one tickets for Broadway and off Broadway shows. Well we have the scoop on another off Broadway ticket deal–just $20 per person—plus news about two popular children's theater troupes that have been in limbo. In non-theater news, we've got cooking classes for children with special needs, a new old soda fountain in Midtown East, a fresh look for the Disney Store in Queens and an audition opportunity for moms who want to be in the spotlight.

You may have noticed that we love a good deal, which is why we want you to know about 20at20. From Tuesday, January 22 through Sunday, February 10, you can buy $20 tickets 20 minutes before curtain to a bunch of off Broadway shows, including kid faves like The Berenstain Bears LIVE!, The Velveteen Rabbit, Fancy Nancy the Musical, Gazillion Bubble Show and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Visit the 20at20 website for a complete list of shows, plus all the fine print.

Have you been wondering what happened to Tribeca's Manhattan Children's Theatre? For a decade the company produced original shows mostly based on popular children's books. While researching our top things to do in Tribeca with kids, we noticed that MCT's website is gone, its phone number is disconnected and that no one seems to be minding its Facebook page, so we assume the troupe has played its final performance. In happier NYC children's theater news, the New Acting Company, which was forced to vacate its Greenwich Village home last year, is set to move into its new Lower East Side digs this March, so the kids' shows (and classes) will go on!

We're always glad to hear about programs for children with special needs, and the new autism-friendly cooking classes at Taste Buds Kitchen sound pretty sweet. Participants will learn gluten and casein-free recipes, and how to handle themselves in the kitchen.

More tasty news: Midtown East steakhouse Maloney & Porcelli has opened a new old-fashion soda fountain right upstairs. It's called The Skylight Shoppe and while it sounds like it caters to the business crowd, we love vintage soda fountains so much, we're tempted to drop by.

The annual Doodle 4 Google contest is back! From now through Friday, March 22, students in grades K through 12 are invited to submit drawings inspired by the theme "My Best Day Ever." One talented tyke will take home a $30,000 college scholarship, along with a $50,000 technology grant for their school. Last year Google received more than 100,000 entries, so stressing that this is about fun not victory is probably a smart move. There will be 50 state finalists though and their doodles will go on display in May at NYC's own American Museum of Natural History.

We have two notable openings to share: Steps from Midtown West's only other children's gym you'll find Bounce and Flip, a new Tenth Avenue space offering gymnastics, dance and tumbling classes, as well as birthday parties. Meanwhile one of our bloggers attended the opening of the revamped Disney Store at Queens Center last week. Check out our photo gallery on Facebook to see the updates, including an interactive magic mirror and a screening room.

And finally, a chance for moms (not their kids) to get all the attention. Shari from our New Jersey site is assistant directing this year's edition of Listen To Your Mother, an annual storytelling performance at Symphony Space on Mother's Day when writers, performers and amateurs share their real-life mothering adventures. You don't need to be a pro to apply, you just need an original short story. It can be funny, moving, crazy or all of the above. If you're interested in auditioning, our NJ site has more info.