today's world autism day and what better way to celebrate than taking in a Broadway show and for people on the spectrum they can now do that in an environment that's safe and conducive to everyone's needs Sharon Crowley shows us the cast of MJ the musical brings the magic of Michael Jackson's music and moves to life singing and dancing the complicated life story of the King of Pop performing some of Jackson's greatest [Music] hits excited yes I am I'm excited for you do you like Michael Jackson
yes I am what kind of music do you like I love bad and and Billy jeans and lots of fun 20-year-old Jaden Weiser has a ticket to see the Sunday ma can you give me a a moon you want it's the same musical but modified to allow people with special needs to feel as comfortable as possible Michelle Stern is Jaden's Mom this is amazing truly the opportunity for children adults who would never have been able to see a show to go in with no judgment the nonprofit the theater Development Fund or tdf partne
red with MJ the musical to put on an Autism friendly performance tdfs executive director says the Broadway matina sold out in just 90 minutes we actually work with different communities who may not always be welcome in the theater to see how we can create spaces that are welcoming and offer comfort and belonging so people can see shows on their own terms the house lights are dimmed never completely dark the music plays at a lower volume and people in the audience can get up from their seats and
take a break in this room if necessary volun te also walk up and down the aisles helping hand out headphones fidget toys and kindness Stephanie Warren comes back year after year to help we see somebody having trouble during the show we'll step in and see if there's something we can get them so just anything to let families know they're supported while they're here one of the reasons families tell me they enjoy an inclusive experience like this so much is because it gives them an opportunity for
the whole family to do something together no one is excluded it's incredible right because like as it is they already challenged with being around typical people and I as a parent I feel like I always have to explain her behaviors with tdf we're able to come and be ourselves and she can laugh and she can sing and she can make all the noises and be herself and it's a really really great thing for us Carmen Mendes brought her 16-year-old daughter Addison to see the show show her your glove show he
r your glove let me see show her your glove nice tdf has been putting on autism friendly performances for 12 years now including shows like The Lion King Harry Potter and the cursed child and wicked actor Elijah Johnson is currently playing the role of Michael Jackson we caught up with him after he signed autographs and posed for selfies with fans at the stage door it's super rewarding I mean this is like one of my favorite things I've done probably my career I think just be able to get back and
just just perform for such an amazing like focused crowd was fantastic love it a performance like this one aligns with a long held belief and now tdf Mantra that the Arts are for everyone Reese are you excited about the show yes I've never I don't know much about Michael Jackson but you're looking forward to learning yeah do you like music yes I do in Time Square Sharon Crowley Fox 5 [Applause] News
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