Autism-friendly performance of 'Aesop's Fables' Friday in Garden City
An autism-friendly performance of 'Aesop's Fables' is scheduled for Friday in Garden City. Credit: Long Island Children's Museum
An “autism-friendly” performance of “Aesop’s Fables” will be offered at 7 p.m. Friday at The Long Island Children’s Museum Theater, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. The live performance has been adapted to create a supportive environment that addresses the needs of those on the autism spectrum and with other sensory sensitivities, according to the museum.
Sound and light levels will be modulated and a “quiet room” for breaks will be available to audience members adjacent to the theater.
In the show, siblings Wolfie, Syd, Barry and Harriet tell classic tales such as “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” with a slapstick twist, in the tradition of comedy teams such as the Marx Brothers. The production is recommended for ages 3 and up.
A downloadable “social script” is available to familiarize families with the situations and environments they will encounter at “Aesop’s Fable.” It walks children through the experience of entering the museum and attending live theater to help minimize pre-show anxiety. It can be downloaded at licm.org./theater.php
“Presenting Long Island families with a sensory-friendly theater performance is a natural expansion of our programming to serve children on the autism spectrum and allow them to fully experience all that the museum offers,” LICM President Suzanne LeBlanc said in a news release.
In the release, Suzanne Reek, president of the Nassau Suffolk Chapter of the Autism Society of America, expressed gratitude for the museum’s effort: “I am excited that the LICM will be offering the opportunity for members of the Autism Community here on Long Island to enjoy a live theater production without the expense and hassle of travel. The ability to participate in a live theater experience in a safe and supported environment without judgment and stress is priceless.”
Tickets can be purchased at licm.org/theater.php or by calling the LICM box office at 516-224-5801. Tickets are $9 per person.
Regular performances of “Aesop’s Fables” run through Sunday. For information, call the museum at 516-224-5800.
