Musical About Disabilities Performed At Elementary School

ARMONK, NY — The Off-Broadway musical with a star-studded cast, "Addy + Uno," was performed Friday at Wampus Elementary School in Armonk. "Addy + Uno" is the first family friendly musical about disabilities.

Bonnie Gleicher, the writer of the successful show, is a Wampus alumni. This heartfelt and upbeat musical focuses on the character Uno, a child with autism. The audience is taken on Uno’s journey as he navigates his school’s math competition alongside his friends, all with varying disabilities.

County Executive George Latimer said he applauded Gleicher for creating a play that includes characters for all children to relate to.

"It is important in our society to create an inclusive environment and Bonnie has done this in a fun and inventive way." he said.

Director of the Office for People with Disabilities Evan Latainer said the performance of Addy and Uno is another expression of a presentation involving disability awareness and how it provides our community the opportunity to learn that a person with a disability is just like anyone else in our community and should be treated with respect and dignity.

"These type of productions are cutting edge in getting the word out that the disabled community is part of the overall community and has a place a very strong place in the world we all live in," he said.

CEO of the Office for People with Disabilities Anna Masopust said Westchester County’s Disability Awareness Program is excited to hear about, as yet another school district brings a learning from our differences experience to their students.

"For years we have seen how using puppets and bringing members from the disabled community into the classroom has opened the eyes of so many young children and adults alike," she said. "We truly believe that by giving children the opportunity to learn about disabilities and the forum to ask questions, we are fostering inclusion, awareness and sensitivity in the realest sense."

Wampus Elementary School Principal Judy Brewster said it was thrilling to reconnect with Gleicher, who is a former student, and hearing that she has a play running Off-Broadway.

"The play's themes — empathy, anti-bullying behaviors and friendship — are messages that are relevant and important for our students to access every day," she said.

This was the first time an Off-Broadway show was performed at Wampus Elementary School.

Photo credit: Submitted.