The show, which was created by New York's Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, will now play through Nov. 1, adding performances Oct. 27-Nov. 1.
In a statement Russell Grannet, executive director of Lincoln Center Education, said, "We are overwhelmed by the wonderful response from families and schools about this important original production. Lincoln Center’s goal is to make art accessible in all forms, and together with Trusty Sidekick, Up and Away is succeeding in being a crucial high-quality arts experience for young people on the autism spectrum and their families. We’re thrilled that we can extend this run and offer this unique experience to more families.”
Up and Away is a new take on the classic story "Around the World in 80 Days." The show features an immersive 360-degree installation design, with the audience seated in hot-air balloon seating units. Audiences are invited to join the Fogg Family Balloon Society on the 1,000th balloon ride. The show is presented to eight children at a time with up to two caregivers. Each child is accompanied by a member of the Fogg Family who serves as a guide for the trip through the clouds. Along the way, they will find that sometimes it's not about the destination, as much as it is the experience of the journey.
The show features puppetry, live music and interactive play to get audiences involved in the action. It was designed to address the cognitive abilities and behavioral patterns of an audience with autism within the structure of the experience. Audience members are invited to follow a map of the journey and take part in physical and verbal repetition. Quiet spaces are available adjacent to the performance area for children who need a break from the action.
Up and Away performs in the Clark Studio Theatre. School performances are 11 AM Tuesday-Friday, and public performances are 11 AM and 2 PM Saturday and Sunday for the duration of the run.
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