Feel Good Story of the Week: Globe’s Autism-Friendly ‘Grinch’ Steals Hearts
The Grinch may rest his rep on separating people from their Christmas presents, but Saturday at the Old Globe Theatre, the comical Dr. Seuss villain came bearing a rare gift indeed.
The Balboa Park theater presented a special performance of its popular holiday musical “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” geared toward people with autism and their families.
The performance, the first of its kind at a major local theater (and inspired by similar initiatives on Broadway), featured modified sound, lighting and other effects in deference to sensory sensitivities.
But for many of the families who attended, the most welcome aspect was just being in a community of people who understood their challenges and wouldn’t bat an eye at behavior that might be deemed disruptive at a typical performance.
“We love theater, and we haven’t ever been able to let him be a part of that with us,” said Cyndi Sapper of her 20-year-old son, Stevenson, after the show. “And this was just amazing. It was so relaxing, really.”
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