This season, Walton Arts Center is offering a sensory-friendly or non-shushing performance of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical!, to make theater more welcoming and inclusive for all.
The Thursday Matinee on Nov. 14 at 1:30 pm will be subtly adapted for adults and children with sensory-input issues, autism or other developmental or cognitive disability, as well as anyone who might feel uncomfortable attending a typical live theater performance.
All patrons are welcome at this performance, but to make the show more accessible to all the following adjustments will be made:
Sound in the production will be lowered, particularly for loud or startling sounds.
Lights in the seating area will be dimmed rather than fully dark during the performance.
Patrons are allowed to speak and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed.
The use of mobile electronic devices is allowed during the performance if they are being used as a communication device. Photography or recording will still not be permitted.
Outside the theater, an activity area will be available with a live video feed of the show for patrons who may need a break. A calming corner with fidget toys and bean-bag chairs will also be available for those who need a quiet place to relax.
Audience members are welcome to bring any necessary food, drinks or hand fidgets into the theater.
A family restroom (gender-neutral) will be available for use.
This production is the perfect opportunity to introduce theater to the young and young at heart through fun music and a classic story.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates while the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the music and book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2024 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical! broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theater goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”
For more information about this show, our sensory-friendly setting or to purchase tickets you can visit waltonartscenter.org, call 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or go in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.