Union County Brings Sensory-Friendly NUTCRACKER Performance to Rahway

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to bring a sensory-friendly performance of American Repertory Ballet's Nutcracker to the stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, November 22 at 2:00 p.m.

Available now, all tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.

"The sensory-friendly performance series is designed to offer a relaxed and safe theatre environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivities, developmental and learning disabilities," said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. "The Freeholder Board is proud to help make this holiday classic accessible to families with children and adults of all abilities and needs."

This abridged, one-hour Sensory Friendly performance of American Repertory Ballet's (ARB) Nutcracker is adapted especially for children and adults with special needs.

ARB's Nutcracker, a holiday tradition for New Jersey families since 1964, tells the story of a young girl named Clara and how her mysterious gift of a nutcracker doll brings about enchanted dreams and fantastical scenes. The dancers bring to life the production's original party scene, choreographed by company founder Audrée Estey, before entering a snow forest and Land of Sweets, featuring choreography by Douglas Martin. Spectacular sets by Carl Sprague, including a spectacular growing Christmas tree, and costumes by Gina Ricca create the atmosphere of dreamlike magic.

Whether it's your first time, an annual tradition, or an once-in-a-lifetime experience, ARB's Nutcracker is a perfect holiday treat for your entire family to be transported and inspired.

For each of the performances in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series the theatre environment at the Union County PAC will be adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. Autism Friendly Spaces implements the supportive atmosphere at each of the Sensory-friendly performances. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org.

Save the dates - mark your calendar for upcoming Sensory-Friendly Theatre series performances sponsored by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders: Sundays - January 10, 2016, March 20, 2016, May 1, 2016 and July 31, 2016.

Union County's Sensory Friendly Theatre series is made possible, in part, by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visitucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturdayfrom 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM.

For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4806 or visit ucnj.org.