Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark Broadway Show Producing Autism-Friendly Performance

Musical will provide a slightly altered version that cuts harsh sounds and strobe lights that might bother someone with the disorder

By Bruna Nessif Feb 07, 2013 12:00 AMTags
Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark stage show 300/galleryJacob Cohl / AP Photo /The O and M Co.

Luckily, it's not an injury or legal woes that's giving Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark headlines now.  

The Broadway musical has announced that they will be performing their first-ever autism-friendly production starting this spring—with tickets going on sale Thursday—which will provide a slightly altered performance that cuts harsh sounds and strobe lights that might bother someone with the disorder.

Autism experts will also be staffing quiet areas with beanbag chairs and coloring books inside the theater for those who might feel overwhelmed.

Spider-Man will join other popular shows that have taken this route, including Disney's The Lion King in October 2011, followed last year with Mary Poppins, a second performance of The Lion King and Elf: The Musical

Surveys that were taken after these autism-friendly performances showed that a large number of audience members also wanted to see one for Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

"We're grateful to the show's producers, management and creative staff and crew for accommodating the Autism Theatre Initiative and uniting with us to make the show an unforgettable experience for all," Lisa Carling, director of the Theatre Development Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides access to live theater, said in a statement.

The organization bought all the matinee tickets for the April 27 show at Foxwoods Theatre and will offer them at a discounted price for autistic children and adults. Tickets range in price from $35-$80.