More autism-friendly shows planned for Broadway

By Mark Kennedy

Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, Feb. 7 2012 3:50 p.m. MST

FILE - In this Jan. 19, 2012 file photo,"The Lion King" marquee is displayed at The Minskoff Theatre are seen in New York. A nonprofit group is planning two autism-friendly performances of Broadway's "The Lion King" and “Mary Poppins” for families with children diagnosed with the disorder. The Theatre Development Fund, an organization focused on providing access to live theater, announced Tuesday its plan to offer specially designed matinee showings of “Mary Poppins” on April 29 and “The Lion King” on Sept. 30.

Charles Sykes, file, Associated Press

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Summary

A nonprofit group is planning two autism-friendly performances of Broadway's "The Lion King" and "Mary Poppins" for families with children diagnosed with the disorder.

NEW YORK — A nonprofit group is planning two autism-friendly performances of Broadway's "The Lion King" and "Mary Poppins" for families with children diagnosed with the disorder.

The Theatre Development Fund is an organization focused on providing access to live theater. It announced Tuesday its plan to offer specially designed matinee showings of "Mary Poppins" on April 29 and "The Lion King" on Sept. 30.

The move comes after the Fund got positive feedback from families when it launched an autism-friendly pilot effort in October with a showing of "The Lion King."

Both shows will be slightly altered to make those with autism more comfortable. Jarring sounds and strobe lights will be cut, and experts will be on hand to help.

The Fund will offer tickets at discount prices.

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