Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series brings Cinderella – the enchanting fairy tale of everlasting love – to life on stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226. Production was accommodated to offer a relaxed and safe theatre environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivity, developmental and learning disabilities. Directly from the pages of the enduring tale, Cinderella delights audiences with the beauty and majesty of classical ballet, wrapped in the promise of “happily ever after,” and generously sprinkled with a wonderful dose of humor. Complete with a fairy Godmother, a handsome prince, an unforgettable ball, and a pumpkin that turns into a carriage before your very eyes - the magnificent staging, music and costumes make this production a delight for all ages. This full two-act ballet is accompanied by original ''storyteller'' narration so even the littlest ones can keep up with ease. Implementing the supportive atmosphere at the performance is the organization Autism Friendly Spaces, which provides specialists to train staff and volunteers on working with children with autism and other special needs during Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, while providing comfort and help to families. For each of the special performances in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series, the theatre environment at the Union County PAC will be adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org. The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The performance of New Jersey Ballet’s Cinderella is made possible in part by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant. The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is a rollicking family concert featuring a two-time Grammy nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could performing songs that celebrate children of all abilities on Sunday, July 31 at 10 AM and 1PM. For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM and is also open late on Thursdays until 8:00 PM. For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4806 or visit ucnj.org.
Photo: Christina L. Wilson