Special Sensory-Friendly Performance Added To CURIOUS INCIDENT at Spencer Theatre

Artistic Director Eric Rosen and Associate Artistic Director/Director of New Works, Marissa Wolf, announced the addition of a "Sensory-Friendly" performance to the regular run of the 2015 Tony Award-Winning play THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME at Spencer Theatre on the UMKC campus. The play, adapted by Simon Stephens, is based on the bestselling novel by Mark Haddon. At KCRep, CURIOUS INCIDENT is directed by Marissa Wolf.

The Sensory-friendly performance (also known as Sensory-relaxed) has been added on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 pm, and it is designed to create a theatrical experience welcoming to all individuals on the Autism spectrum or with other special needs that create sensory sensitivities, and the people who love and support them.

Special accommodations for sensory-friendly performances include:

• Lower sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds

• Lights remain on at a low level in the audience during the performance

• A reduction of strobe lighting or bright lighting focused on the audience

• Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance

• A designated quiet room will be set up adjacent to the theatre

• Space throughout the theater for standing and movement

• Special training for KCRep staff, who will be available to accommodate patrons' needs and answer any questions they may have.
  

According to Artistic Director Rosen, "At KCRep we are deeply committed to diversity of all kinds in whatever form that takes organically with our productions. Access for all is part of our mission here at KCRep, and that includes people who may be on the Autism spectrum, as well as patrons who are simply looking for a new, more relaxed theatre experience. The bottom line is, we never want to create barriers to attendance, and the addition of this sensory-friendly performance is a wonderful step in ensuring inclusion and access for all."

The role of 15-year-old Christopher Boone will be played at KCRep by New York-based actor Jamie Sanders. Jamie himself has Tourette's syndrome, a type of tic disorder. An accomplished young actor (who also happens to be the son of professional actors Jay O. Sanders and Maryann Plunkett), Jamie has built an international following through his advocacy for Tourette's and Autism awareness.

Called "one of the most fully immersive shows ever to wallop Broadway" by The New York Times, CURIOUS INCIDENT follows the story of Christopher, an exceptionally intelligent teenaged boy who is ill-equipped to deal with the pressures of everyday life. After he falls under suspicion for killing a neighbor's dog, Christopher sets out on a mission to discover the real culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever.

The Broadway production of CURIOUS INCIDENT debuted at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on October 5, 2014. It won the 2015 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, 2015 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding New Broadway Play, the 2015 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play and the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play.

"I'm overjoyed to bring this beautiful, buoyant play to life with our talented team," says director Marissa Wolf. "Audiences will experience this play through Christopher's lens as he navigates the complexities of growing up. I especially love that within this funny and moving play, Christopher's Autism is also his super-power, as he offers raw, brilliant insights into the world."

Besides Jamie Sanders, the cast for CURIOUS INCIDENT is made up entirely of Kansas City-based actors. They are (in alphabetical order): Chioma Anyanwu, Rufus Burns, Jason Chanos, Walter Coppage, Bree Elrod, Peggy Friesen, Nicole Marie Green, Andy Perkins, Stephanie Rae Roberts.

The KCRep production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is sponsored by the Graves Family Foundation. Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency and is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

To purchase tickets to the Tuesday, February 13th sensory-friendly performance, please visit KCRep.org or call our Box Office at 816-235-2700. If you have already purchased tickets for a different performance, and wish to exchange them for this sensory-friendly performance, please call the Box Office, and the staff will be happy to accommodate you.

Tickets for THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME start at $25 and may be purchased by visiting http://kcrep.org/show/curious-incident-dog-night-time or by calling the KCRep box office at 816-235-2700. Groups of nine or more receive discounted tickets, call Andrew Cotlar at 816-235-6122 for details.

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