McCarter Theatre Center to Host Relaxed Sing Along Version of THE MUPPET MOVIE, 4/2

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day 2016, McCarter Theatre Center will present a special relaxed performance of Heather Henson's Sing Along with The Muppet Movie on Saturday, April 2nd at 2:00 p.m. on the Matthews Stage.

During the performance small adjustments will be made to certain technical elements, such as sound and light cues to create an enjoyable experience for everyone in our audience. The ushers and front of house staff at McCarter have received specialized training and will be on-hand at the venue to assist parents and caregivers as needed. There will be designated activity and relaxation areas in the lobby, should audience members wish to have a break from the performance.

Relaxed performances provide a conducive environment for individuals on the autism spectrum, with cognitive or developmental differences, or other sensory and communication needs. The objective is to allow these individuals and their families to enjoy live theatre together. McCarter has presented three relaxed performances in the past, including productions of Into the Woods, White Snake, and Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery.

"Our family has taken our son to the autism-friendly performances on Broadway and found them to be a great experience for all of us. Now, with Autism friendly performances at McCarter Theatre, it is much closer to home. This is a great opportunity for a family that has never brought their child with autism to the theatre, to try it out in a worry-free environment. It allows you to relax because there is a very supportive group of people there to help you if you should have any problem behaviors with your child. I know my son will have fun, and so will the rest of my family!" ~ recent attendee

The Muppet Movie (1979) follows Kermit the Frog on a cross-country trip to Hollywood, meeting many other misfit Muppets along the way. Together Kermit and company overcome danger, interact with more than a few famous faces, and discover the power of true friendship. The film received two Academy Award nominations and is listed in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant."

Heather Henson's Sing Along with The Muppet Movie provides family-friendly interactions with the classic film featuring the creations of Heather's father, Jim Henson. The production brings elements of the films to life for the audience via puppetry, kiting, and shadow acting. Children and adults alike are urged to yell out famous lines, blow bubbles, dance in the aisles, and of course, sing along with the movies to forge new or renew connections to films from another generation.

World Autism Awareness Day has been observed internationally every April 2nd since 2007. Spearheaded by the United Nations, the day itself brings individual autism organizations together all around the world to aid in things like research, diagnoses, treatment, and overall awareness for those with the disorder and looking for help.

McCarter Theatre Center would like to thank its partner organizations for this endeavor. Jazams, a local toy store, will be providing our ushers with a variety of 'fidgets' for patrons who would benefit from them during the performance. Olives will be providing a terrific meal during our usher training. McCarter is grateful for the support of local businesses and other community partners, to enhance our work, both on and off our stages.

Admission is $25.00 and includes a "goodie bag" filled with props, toys, and other fun items designed to enhance this special interactive experience. To reserve seating, call the McCarter Box Office at 609-258-2787, or visit www.mccarter.org for more information.