The first sensory-friendly theater performance will happen this month with “Beauty and the Beast” in Orange.
Arena Civic Theatre will put on the show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 23, 24 and 30 and Oct. 1 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 2.
The performance will feature a lighting that is less dark, sound that is quieter, an introduction before the show of principal characters so that the audience members can get to know them a bit and an acceptance of noise and movement by audience members.
Director Dawn Mayo noted that her niece loves music more than anything and consequently sings every lyric she knows as loudly as possible. She loves live performances, but her parents have always shied away from the theater fearing that other audience members would not appreciate her “outbursts.”
“When I heard about sensory-friendly performances, my first thought was this could be a way for someone like her, who would truly enjoy a live theatrical performance, to be able to experience it in an environment that would be welcoming for her,” she said.
Shows will happen at The Ruth B. Smith Auditorium at the Orange Town Hall, 6 Prospect St., Orange.
Tickets are $16 for general admission, $13 for seniors and students and $10 for children. Opening night all tickets are $8.
They are available at the door or by calling to reserve at 413-233-4368 or online at arenacivictheatre.org.
Audiences members are invited to dress as their favorite Disney character.
Music is by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton.
Ted Trobaught is the musical director, and Sue Dresser is the choreographer.
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries. Based on the Academy-Award winning animated feature, this musical tells the story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress.