Photo: Emilio Madrid
Producers Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold, and Tom Kirdahy announced today that Hadestown will partner with TDF, the not-for-profit service organization for the performing arts, to present the first-ever Autism-friendly performance of the Tony Award-winning production on Sunday, August 20th at 1:00PM ET the Walter Kerr Theatre (219 W 48th St). Tailored for families with members on the Autism spectrum or with other developmental or cognitive disabilities, this special matinee is sponsored by Thomas M. Neff.
To create an autism-friendly setting, the show will be performed in a supportive environment for children and adults diagnosed with autism or other sensory sensitivities and their families. Slight adjustments will be made to the production, where possible, including the reduction of jarring sounds, lights, and fog focused into the audience. In the theatre lobby, there are staffed break areas in case audience members need to leave their seats during the performance.
Tickets were offered by lottery to families with children and adults on the autism spectrum who have previously attended TDF Autism Friendly Performances on Broadway. Visit TDF.org/autism to learn more about TDF Autism Friendly Performances and to sign up to receive emails announcing upcoming performances.
“When we first encountered Hadestown, we had no way of anticipating the myriad ways in which varied audience members each found their own particular resonance in the story, the music, the lyrics and the characters,” said producer Mara Isaacs. “We believe that everyone has the potential to see themselves in a story about love, hope, community and redemption. We look forward to discovering, along with our guests at the Autism Friendly performance, what will resonate for them.”
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to offer an autism friendly performance of this amazing show to our families with children and adults on the autism spectrum at no cost,” said Lisa Carling, TDF’s Director of Accessibility Programs. “Due to the generosity of Mr. Neff, these folks who have attending previous autism friendly performances on Broadway are getting an experience they won’t soon forget.”
Hadestown currently stars Grammy Award winner Reeve Carney as Orpheus and Tony Award winner Lillias White as Hermes. They are joined by Amelia Cormack, Lindsey Hailes, and Brit West as the Fates. The chorus of Workers is played by Emily Afton, Malcolm Armwood, Chibueze Ihuoma, Alex Lugo, and Alex Puette. The cast includes swings Brandon Cameron, Yael “YaYa” Reich, Eddie Noel Rodríguez, and Allysa Shorte. Jewelle Blackman as ‘Persephone’ and Tom Hewitt as ‘Hades’ will have their final performance on Sunday, September 3.
As previously announced, two-time Tony Award nominee, and original Broadway cast member, Eva Noblezada will play her final performance as ‘Eurydice’ on Sunday, August 13. Solea Pfeiffer will join the cast as ‘Eurydice’ on Tuesday, August 15.
Additionally, international pop music sensation Betty Who and Tony and Grammy Award nominee Phillip Boykin will join the cast of Hadestown as ‘Persephone’ and ‘Hades,’ respectively, beginning on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Tickets for Hadestown are available at www.seatgeek.com/hadestown-tickets or by visiting the Walter Kerr Theatre box office (219 West 48th Street).