Since its premiere in 1997, The Lion King musical has attracted nearly 100 million viewers worldwide. Now, the legendary production is returning to Cleveland with a new twist.
On Aug. 31, Playhouse Square will present a special, sensory-friendly performance of The Lion King, marking the first time a sensory-friendly Broadway show has come to Cleveland. The performance is sponsored by the Theatre Development Fund and has previously been featured in cities like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Houston, as well as New York.
"We want everyone to be able to experience the transformative power of live theater, especially with their families," Playhouse Square President & COO Gina Vernaci said in a statement.
Slight adjustments will be made to the performance, including the reduction of jarring sounds and the elimination of strobe lights focused into the audience. Quiet spaces, activity areas, and sensory objects such as fidgets and ear-muffs will be provided, and trained staff and volunteers will also be on the premises.
Tickets for the event went on sale Friday and can be purchased online at playhousesquare.org, in-person at the Playhouse Square box office, or by phone at (216) 241-6000. Orders for groups of 15 or more must be placed using the phone number.
