NAPLES, FL (July 3, 2019) – The Naples Players (TNP) present a special sensory-friendly performance of the summer musical sensation Mamma Mia!, Tuesday, Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 7:30 pm sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Naples in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players Sugden Theatre. As sensory-friendly screenings become more common in local movie theatres and even on Broadway, The Naples Players knows it is beyond time to expand this practice to the community plays and musicals. The Naples Players is proud to participate in the national shift towards making it possible for individuals with special needs and their families to experience the same quality theatre as everyone else.

What are sensory-friendly screenings, and why are they important? For many people with special needs, sensory stimuli are overwhelming and sometimes painful. Tina J. Richardson, a woman with autism, describes it well, “Some things just feel so intense. I’m not over-reacting. My sensory processing is unique to me.” This, coupled with the fact that many people with special needs cannot sit still for long periods of time, makes it difficult for them to attend traditional performances that may have loud noises and strobe lights, and where moving around or making noise is prohibited. This can make them and their families uncomfortable in public spaces, especially in cultural performances, where any kind of disruption is often met with judging stares. However, the slight changes introduced in sensory-friendly performances, can transform the theatre into a place as welcoming and comfortable as their own home.

During these performances, the house lights remain on during the performance, sound is turned down, movement during the performance is not restricted, and the performance is capped at 50% capacity. In addition, audience members receive a guide to the show that tells them where there might be a sensory trigger, so they can prepare themselves in advance. This can make all the difference in opening the doors of the theater to people with special needs. Special pricing for The Naples Players sensory Friendly performances helps make great theatre affordable for families and is made possible through a grant from Suncoast Credit Union.

Over 60 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make Mamma Mia! the ultimate feel-good show. ABBA’s music tells the uplifting tale of a young woman seeking the identity of her father for her wedding and brings the three potential men from her mother’s past back to the Grecian island they visited 20 years ago.

The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter, friendship, and sisterhood, creating an unforgettable show. Hit songs include: “Mamma Mia,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Voulez-Vous” among others.

Mamma Mia! runs through July 28, 2019 in Blackburn Hall at The Naples Players at Sugden Theatre at 701 5th Avenue South in Naples. Tickets for the special one-night Sensory Friendly Performance on Tuesday, July 9, 2019 are $20 for adults, $10 for students/educators and are available at www.NaplesPlayers.org or by contacting the Box Office at (239) 263-7990.