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Olympia Entertainment and Autism Speaks Present Autism-Friendly Performance of THE ADDAMS FAMILY Today

By: Jun. 14, 2013
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Autism Speaks and Olympia Entertainment Inc. are excited to announce the expansion of their Michigan is Listening partnership by hosting the first ever autism-friendly performance of THE ADDAMS FAMILY at the Fox Theatre tonight, June 14 at 8 p.m.; with accommodations to make the theater experience more enjoyable for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other sensory difficulties.

Tickets ($15, $30, $45, $55 and $70) are on sale now. Olympia Entertainment will be donating a $1.50 from every ticket sold for this performance in the $15-$55 range to Autism Speaks. Tickets can be purchased by visiting:www.olympiaentertainment.com/autismspeaks or calling the Olympia Entertainment, Inc. Group Sales department at313.471.3099. Tickets are available to all members of the public and purchasers should specify they are interested in the autism-friendly performance.

Working in conjunction with the producers of THE ADDAMS FAMILY and Autism Speaks, Olympia Entertainment has pledged to create a fun, inviting environment for individuals and families with members who have ASD while providing the opportunity to experience a live Broadway production in its entirety.

The presentation will not differ from the theater's regular performance. However, the theater is providing some environmental accommodations such as providing a run of show to parents in advance of the performance, so those with sensory difficulties can be alerted to special effects and other moments of excitement in the show prior to the occurrence. Quiet areas will also be set up inside the venue to allow families to take a break for a few minutes and gluten-free concession food options will be made available.

"We had overwhelming support following the first ever Autism-friendly Sesame Street Live performance at the Fox Theatre," said Tom Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Olympia Entertainment. "We are thrilled to offer another opportunity for families to again enjoy the wondrous theatre experience in a welcoming and inclusive environment."

Representatives from Autism Speaks previewed this production to assure that theatrical elements are appropriate for all audiences, especially those living with ASD. "We are so pleased to continue our partnership with Olympia Entertainment and to host this performance of THE ADDAMS FAMILY," said Tom Riopelle, Michigan Director, Autism Speaks. "Being able to provide world-class theatrical performances that all can enjoy here in Michigan is an incredible gift that we are so proud of and something we look forward to doing with Olympia for years to come!"

The partnership between Autism Speaks and Olympia Entertainment, Inc. was created as part of the Michigan is Listening initiative, a statewide awareness program that asks the people of Michigan to pledge to tell 10 people about autism. As part of this campaign destinations around the state who make a commitment to creating a welcoming experience for those with autism receive a designation as a Michigan is Listening Destination. In February 2013, Olympia hosted the first-ever sensory friendly performance of Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music" as part of this partnership.



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