Hit Musical ADDY & UNO Extends Its Off-Broadway Run

ADDY & UNO, the hit off-Broadway production that features a delightful cast of comical and melodious puppets with disabilities, has announced it will extend its run through March 10th. Fans and critics have hailed the show for being the first family musical comedy to celebrate differing abilities, friendship, and kindness. Even Mayor deBlaisio is honoring the show, issuing a letter of recognition to the cast and crew in advance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

ADDY & UNO opened off-Broadway in October, after a sold-out run at the 14th Street Y. Its original score, heartwarming story, and incredibly talented cast - including those marvelous puppets! - quickly resonated with theatre goers; educating typical children about peers with special needs and offering those with differing abilities a poignant story they can relate with.

The show stars Uno, a young boy with plenty of mathematical ability that happens to have autism. He gains the courage to enter his school's math competition with help from friends who face challenges of their own: Addy has AHDH (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder); Melody is visually impaired; Seemore has hearing loss; and RJ uses a wheelchair. The musical spotlights the beauty of individuality while whisking audiences on a wonderful journey of hope and big dreams.

"I'm thrilled to be working on the ADDY & UNO team," says the show's Consulting Producer and official spokesperson, Anastasia Somoza. Born with cerebral palsy and spastic quadriplegia, Ms. Somoza knows first hand about making big dreams come true. Her rousing speech on Americans with disabilities stole the spotlight at the first night of the 2016 Democratic National Convention. "ADDY & UNO is giving children with disabilities an opportunity to finally see themselves represented on a theatrical stage. I'm truly excited for audiences from all walks of life to understand that disability is an inherent part of the human story."

In his letter to the show's cast and crew, Mayor deBlaisio echoed Ms. Somoza's sentiments. "ADDY & UNO is teaching its audience the importance of embracing each other's differences and showing all people the respect and understanding they deserve."

It is an especially important recognition at this time of year. March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the time our nation celebrates the inclusion of individuals living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive disabilities as full members of society.

Says ADDY & UNO's lead producer Tom D'Angora: "About one in six American children are born with a developmental disability: ADHD, autism, Cerebral Palsy, learning or intellectual disability, or hearing loss or vision impairment. These conditions impact day-to-day functioning and typically continue throughout a person's lifetime. A big part of our show's success is that it highlights some of the ways people with and without developmental disabilities can come together to form strong, diverse communities."

Created by Dr. Nava R. Silton, a developmental psychologist, ADDY & UNO is a spinoff of her comic book series "Realabilities." "The show is about putting people first," she explains. "It's about RJ who loves rockets, Uno who loves math, Addy who is hilarious and spunky, and yes, they have disabilities, but audiences get to know them as kids and as people first."

ADDY & UNO is directed by Emmy-nominated Donna Drake (Netflix's Julie's Greenroom and John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean), with music by Bonnie Gleicher (singer/songwriter who was seen on Broadway in Jane Eyre), and is produced by Drama Desk nominated Tom D'Angora and Michael D'Angora (NEWSical The Musical, The Marvelous Wonderettes).

The cast features Caitlin Donohue, Ty Gaines, Brent Jones, Derek Christopher Murphy, Vanessa Pereda-Felix, Noah Pyzik, Bryan George Rowell, Kate Ryan, and Annabelle Shea, and Stephen Velasquez.

Addy & Uno plays every Saturday at 12pm at the Kirk Theatre at Theatre Row. Tickets are $42.25 and can be purchased at The Theatre Row box office or through Telecharge.com. The show is appropriate for all ages and the Kirk Theatre at Theatre Row is wheelchair accessible.

A select number of premium tickets are available for each performance. For groups contact 212-889-4300, 800-331-0472, or Info@TomDangora.com. School groups should contact Info@TomDangora.com. The Kirk at Theatre Row is located at 410 W 42nd St off of 9th Ave. The box office opens at 12pm weekdays and 11:30am on Sat/Sun. For more information visit www.AddyAndUno.com

Photo Credit: Genevieve Rafter Keddy

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