McCarter's Autism-Friendly INTO THE WOODS Performance Set for Tonight

McCarter Theatre Center has announced an autism-friendly performance of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods tonight, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. Following in the footsteps of successful autism-friendly performances of The Lion King and Mary Poppins on Broadway, this special performance will enable individuals with autism and their families and caregivers the opportunity to experience live musical theater in a supportive and judgment-free environment.

All tickets are $25 and are available by calling the McCarter ticket office at (609) 258-2787 or in person at 91 University Place in Princeton. To learn more, visit www.mccarter.org/VistiorInfo and click on the ACCESSIBILITY link.

McCarter Managing Director Timothy J. Shields said, "McCarter will be the first theater in New Jersey to offer such a mainstage production. We believe that there's a real need for this kind of performance and we are thrilled to be able to offer it here."

McCarter Theatre is working in partnership with Eden Autism Services, a primary resource for autism information, education, training and support, which is headquartered in Princeton. Eden is graciously lending its expertise to ensure McCarter's autism-friendly performance of Into the Woods is a positive experience for all involved.

"Eden is delighted to partner with McCarter Theatre on this project," say Dr. Tom McCool, President and CEO of Eden Autism Services. "Providing the necessary training and guidance to make this a successful experience for children and adults with autism and their families is fundamental to Eden's mission."

In addition to the adjustments made to the show, McCarter Theatre and Eden will provide services to help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for individuals with autism. Eden volunteers will be on hand to assist families as needed as they arrive at McCarter Theatre and throughout the performance. There will also be modifications to sound and lighting, family bathrooms, reduced ticket prices, as well as staffed relaxation and activity areas in the lobbies.

Support for the autism-friendly performance at McCarter Theatre has been provided by The Karma Foundation. Additional support comes from Theatre Development Fund's (TDF) Autism Theatre Initiative; Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization; and Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

About Into the Woods: Weaving everyone's favorite fairy tales together, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's delightful and witty musical, Into the Woods, asks: what happens after happily ever after? Fresh from their six-actor Cymbeline (a runaway hit), the acclaimed Fiasco Theater teams up with McCarter to conjure this enchanting tale into being with whimsy, theatrical invention, and only ten actors and a single piano. With dazzling lyrics, sumptuous melodies, and a deliciously wicked plot, this astonishingly clever Into the Woods will leave your whole family smiling.

LOCATION: McCarter Theatre is conveniently located at 91 University Place in Princeton, New Jersey. Ample FREE parking is available at the indoor parking garage located on Elm Drive off of Faculty Road on the Princeton University campus, a five-minute walk to McCarter. Parking is also available along the historic, well-lit streets of Princeton on University Place, Alexander Road and College Road, as well as in the parking lot adjacent to the WaWa Store at the corner of University Place and Alexander Road. More information at www.mccarter.org.

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