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Blue Man Group to Put On Autism-Friendly Show Sunday

By Erica Demarest | October 24, 2014 12:19pm
 Blue Man Group is hosting a special matinee this weekend, specifically tailored for people with autism.
Blue Man Group
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LAKEVIEW — Blue Man Group is hosting a special matinee this weekend, specifically tailored for people with autism.

The three-man group, which started in New York in the late 1980s, is known for raucous shows with live rock music, theatrical stunts and colorful props. The performers never talk, but rely on mime and slapstick humor.

Laurie Chern said that's perfect for people with autism.

"Children on the [autism] spectrum have such sensory systems," said Chern, who chairs the Chicago chapter of Autism Speaks. "While someone might think a show like this would be a turn off ... because of the sounds and lights, it's actually very stimulating to children with autism, especially if their systems are very under-reactive."

To make it even more autism-friendly, sound levels will be reduced during one particularly loud segment of this Sunday's show, according to resident general manager Mary Grisolano.

"Anybody who really likes a lot of sensory input — this is a dream show for them," Grisolano said.

The theater will also focus on creating a calming space in the lobby  for anyone who needs a break. Headphones are available, and staffers will be taught how to address the needs of guests with autism.

"A lot of it was just about creating an environment in the lobby that was toned down," Grisolano said. "So we're muting the environment, dimming the lights, putting in bean-bag chairs. It's a place to relax when people are getting sensory overload."

The show, which stemmed from a partnership with Autism Speaks, runs at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St. Tickets will be sold at a reduced price of $49 a piece.

Chern — who has a 13-year-old son with autism and twin 10-year-old girls — said the Blue Man partnership is ideal for families like hers because there's something for everyone.

My daughters "have had to learn their schedule sometimes has to revolve around my son's therapy schedule," Chern said. "For a nice change, I can take all three kids to this one performance and they can enjoy it on an individual level. ... It's not revolving around one schedule, and that's huge."

Chern said she recently took her kids to a Blue Man performance. Her son loved the slapstick humor, while her daughters laughed at a lot of dry humor and subtle jokes.

Sunday's show will have an added benefit.

"Parents can bring their child to the show and know it's a safe space," Chern said. "If their child has loud outbursts, laughing extremely loud or clapping really loud at places where other people might not be clapping, everyone in the audience understands it. There are so few opportunities for that."

For more information on the show, click here.

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