Rockettes seek holiday magic for all with sensory friendly, ASL, open caption performances
The Rockettes want as many people as possible to enjoy their legendary holiday spectacular.
So this year, for the first time, there will be a sensory friendly performance of "The 2023 Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes."
That's in addition to accessible showtimes including American Sign Language, open captioned and audio description performances. Open captioned performances provide text-based assistance to spoken word via a large, three-line, LED sign adjacent to the stage, organizers say, while audio described performances provides a live description of the onstage action via headsets to patrons who are blind or visually impaired.
“Our number one priority is ensuring that all fans of the Rockettes and Radio City Music Hall can comfortably enjoy the magic of the Christmas Spectacular,” said Jessica Tuttle, senior vice president, Productions, MSG Entertainment. “We are committed to expanding our accessible offerings and are thrilled to partner with organizations like TDF as we continue to work towards creating an environment that is inclusive for all guests.”
The sensory friendly performance is presented in partnership with the Theatre Development Fund (TDF)'s Autism Friendly Performances. Radio City Music Hall also has an ongoing partnership with Kulture City, which has trained guest facing staff and provides sensory bags upon request to guests at all performances of the "Christmas Spectacular," producers say.
Sensory friendly 'Christmas Spectacular' performance
The sensory friendly performance is set for 9 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.
The performance will have adjustments including softer stage lighting and audio, additionalhouse lighting and spaced-out seating. The venue's Grand Lounge will transform into a sensory safe space with soft seating areas and fidget tools. TDF and Radio City Music Hall will have dedicated staff trained in sensory needs onsite to ensure all guests feel supported throughout the event, producer say.
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Tickets for the Nov. 19 sensory-friendly performance are available exclusively via TDF at tdf.org/rockettes.
'Christmas Spectacular' accessibility dates
Sensory friendly: 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 19
American Sign Language interpreters: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 13; 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10
Open-captioned performance: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6
Audio described performance: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13
All performances: Sensory bags, containing special Kulture City VIP (KCVIP) badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources; assistive listening devices and relay calls made through a TTY machine are available for guests during all performances of the "Christmas Spectacular" at the Guest Services Desk in the Grand Foyer.
For more information on these performances and all other accommodations, including accessible and companion seats, email the Accessibility Services Department at accessibilityservices@msg.com or visit the Accessibility Services FAQ page at msg.com.
The 2023 'Christmas Spectacular'
"The 2023 Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes" runs from Nov. 17 to Jan. 1, 2024 at Radio City Music Hall.
Tickets, starting at $49, can be purchased at www.rockettes.com/christmas or at the Ticketmaster Box Office at Radio City Music Hall, 1260 6th Ave. between 50th and 51st St.). Visit rockettes.com for more information.
Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Christmas Spectacular starring Radio City Rockettes accessible shows
