Broadway In Boston To Put On Autism-Friendly Performance Of 'The Lion King'
BOSTON (CBS) – It's a Broadway blockbuster now playing at Boston's Opera House, but the actors, musicians and producers of "The Lion King" are preparing for a unique performance. One they're calling Autism Friendly.
Conor Farrell, 16, of Lynnfield, is on the autism spectrum and is loving The Lion King.
"I learned Hacuna Matata. It means, no worries!" he says.
And for the first time, Broadway in Boston is tailoring the blockbuster just for people like Conor and their families.
"The reception has been incredible in the community," said Rich Jaffe, from Broadway in Boston.
"It's all about equal access," said Russ Kenn from Autism Speaks New England.
"We're trying to give families who are affected by autism the same opportunities that other families have," he added.
What's the difference?
People on the spectrum often can't handle the high sensory output of a show.
"I can get really nervous because I don't know what it's going to be like," said Conor.
So the performance reduces the sensory load.
"There's about 16 or 17 different production modifications. For example the house lights don't come all the way down, the sound is turned down a little bit, there's no strobe lights," said Jaffe.
Some people might also want to get up and move around, talk or just need a break.
"The biggest thing is the judgment-free environment. Every person in here is going to know someone with autism and knows what to expect. There will be a lot of knowing smiles between parents at the show," said Kenn.
"It's fantastic, and it really gives an opportunity for families that traditionally could not come to the theater because they were afraid of how their loved one would react," said Terri Farrell, Conor's mother.
The Autism Friendly performance is Oct. 11. There's been a huge response so there are very few tickets left. But if you miss this one, Broadway in Boston hopes to do it again with other shows.
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