Sensory-Friendly Performance for 'Anne of Green Gables' Added

EAST HADDAM – To make live theatre accessible to all, Goodspeed Musicals will be offering a special Sensory-Friendly Performance of Anne of Green Gables: A New Musical on Sunday, Aug. 28 for the 6:30 p.m. performance. Come experience the classic story reimagined as a lively folk-rock musical that will inspire and entertain audiences of every age.

It is important that everyone in our community can experience and benefit from the power of the live theatre. This Sensory-Friendly Performance is designed and intended for those who are on the autism spectrum or who have other sensory issues. The theatre environment will be altered, providing a safe, friendly, comfortable and judgment-free zone that is welcoming for all. There will be modifications to lighting, an accepting and inclusive environment, and a chill-out area for people who need a break. The performance is recommended for those families and caregivers who are familiar with and accepting of behaviors exhibited by some individuals with autism — and would like to bring a loved one to the theatre.

Anne of Green Gables is about Anne Shirley who has just arrived on Prince Edward Island and she’s already making waves. Adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, Anne is feisty, smart and eager to find her own place in the world. But is the world ready for her? Fall in love with the spirited redhead of the classic novel, now reimagined as a vibrant folk-rock musical for all generations. With bold choreography, witty humor and a revolutionary spirit, this is Green Gables as you’ve never seen it before!

For this special performance, theatregoers can expect preshow resources such as a character guide, plot synopsis, photos and video from the Goodspeed production, FAQs, and a “coming to the theatre” video on our website, goodspeed.org.

Tickets for this performance are being sold only to those on the spectrum and their families. All tickets for the Sensory-Friendly Performance are $12. To purchase tickets or ask questions about this special performance, please contact Shanna Lisitano at 860.615.0319 or slisitano@goodspeed.org.

Goodspeed’s Sensory-Friendly Performances are sponsored by Starkweather & Shepley; Insurance Brokerage, Inc.; Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation; Robert Schumann Foundation; Hebron Lions Club; and Suzio York Hill Companies. These performances were developed in cooperation with the students and faculty of Franklin Academy. Franklin Academy is a community-focused boarding and day school in East Haddam where students with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Asperger’s Syndrome learn and master competencies that will enable them to be successful in college and beyond.

For show highlights, exclusive photos, special events and more, visit us at goodspeed.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.