CINDERELLA National Tour to Offer Autism-Friendly Performance in Boston, 10/4

Autism Speaks, the world's leading science and advocacy organization, will proudly continue its partnership with Broadway In Boston by co-hosting an autism-friendly performance of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at 5:30pm at the Boston Opera House. All elements of the theater experience will be tailored to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by autism, including slight production adjustments, trained support staff to provide assistance, calming areas and a supportive, judgment-free environment.

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will serve as the Honorary Chairman of the event committee, a role he also fulfilled last October when Autism Speaks, Broadway In Boston and Disney Theatrical Productions delivered the first-ever autism-friendly performance of The Lion King in Boston to 2,500 autism community members.

"I applaud Autism Speaks and Broadway In Boston for making an event like this possible again," said Mayor Walsh. "I personally witnessed the pure joy expressed by the people in the audience at the The Lion King performance last fall and many of them told me what a huge impact it had on their entire family."

"I cried at the opening 'Circle of Life,'" said Karen Mariscal, who attended the The Lion King show with her son, Billy, who has autism. "I looked at the mom next to me, who also had a young adult son with her, and she was crying too. To think that we could have our 20-something sons finally attend a Broadway show was just too much... Billy has made great strides to try to fit into our world, and now it seems that our world is beginning to meet him half-way. Amazing."

Autism Speaks, Broadway In Boston and the national tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella are collaborating on all aspects of the development and execution of this performance, including the reduction of jarring sounds and intensity/volume level, elimination of strobe lights focused on the audience, trained support staff and volunteers and calming areas for audience members.

"Providing new experiences to individuals and families affected by autism is a key element in our mission to change the future for all who struggle with autism," said Russ Kenn, Executive Director of Autism Speaks' New England chapter. "When kids and adults on the autism spectrum and their family members told us the experience last year was 'life-changing,' it further inspired us to pursue more of these opportunities. We're extremely grateful to Mayor Walsh, our friends at Broadway In Boston and the national tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella for the important roles they all play in creating this new opportunity."

"We feel strongly that the Arts and live theater should be an option for everyone, said Rich Jaffe, President of Broadway In Boston. Our main goal with an autism-friendly performance is to create a safe, environment where everyone feels comfortable, supported and most importantly be able to be themselves. Visiting the theatre and seeing a live performance is not always an option for those on the autism spectrum and we are so proud to work alongside Autism Speaks and the national tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella with this initiative."

"I strongly believe all children should get the chance to experience live theater, and I'm honored that we are able to participate in this special program," said Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella's lead producer Robyn Goodman. "Cinderella is an inspiring character who realizes impossible things happen every day. I think her message of hope and compassion will especially resonate with families affected by autism, and I'm thrilled to bring this story to them."

Following a model used last year for the autism-friendly performance of Disney's The Lion King, special prices and distribution for tickets have been set up by Autism Speaks for the performance as 75% of the tickets allotted will be sold at a reduced price (ranging from 12-40% lower than standard rates) and nearly 25% of the allotment are complimentary tickets to be distributed to members of the local autism community, their families and supporters.

This special pricing and complimentary ticket distribution is possible because of Autism Speaks and their corporate partners who are underwriting the expenses related to this performance, including BNY Mellon. The special prices are $75, $55, $35 and $20 and tickets are now available at www.autismspeaks.org/cinderella.

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