This coming April, Broadway's biggest tourist trap will be going dark. Of course Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark isn't closing, it makes like a billion dollars a day. But it will be turning on the dark for one special performance geared specifically toward children on the autism spectrum.
The Theatre Development Fund has purchased all the tickets to the show's April 27 matinee and will be re-selling them at discounted prices. The matinee show will become a special show dedicated to children with autism and their families. Tickets are priced between $35 and $80.
People with autism are often sensitive to loud noises and flashing lights. They also often have trouble sitting in one place for an extended amount of time, which can make watching a 165-minute musical with strobe lights difficult. It's estimated one in 100 children in the U.S. today falls somewhere on the autism spectrum, from mild to severe.
For the audiences, the show is slightly altered, to remove harsh lighting cues and loud sound effects. There are also sections of the theater with beanbag chairs and coloring books set up for children who need a break.
"We are delighted to have the opportunity to share our production with those affected by autism," said "Spider-Man" producers Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris in a statement.
This show will be the fifth autism-friendly show sponsored by the Theatre Development Fund. Other shows to put on special performances are The Lion King, Mary Poppins and Elf: The Musical.
[Image via AP]