UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County’s Sensory Friendly Theatre series brings the adventures of the Berenstain Bears to life on stage at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway on Sunday, March 29, at 2 p.m.
All tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased through the Union County Performing Arts Center at ucpac.org or by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226.
“The sensory-friendly performance series is designed to offer a relaxed and safe theatre environment for children and adults with sensory sensitivity, developmental and learning disabilities,” said Freeholder Chairman Mohamed S. Jalloh. “The Freeholder board is proud to offer a performance series that helps make art accessible to everyone.”
Adapted from the classic children’s book series by Stan and Jan Berenstain, “The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical” brings everyone’s favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that the entire family will enjoy.
As always, Bear Country is not without its complications: Brother Bear’s grades are slipping, Sister Bear still has a few things to learn about making new friends, and Papa Bear just can’t stop eating junk food. Thankfully, we can always depend on Mama Bear and her loving patience to help set things right.
Implementing the supportive atmosphere at the performance is the organization Autism Friendly Spaces, which provides specialists to train staff and volunteers on working with children with autism and other special needs during Sensory Friendly Theatre performances, while providing comfort and help to families.
For each of the special performances in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series, the theatre environment at the Union County PAC will be adjusted to provide a sensory-friendly, comfortable and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. For more information on what to expect at a Sensory Friendly Theatre performance visit ucpac.org.
The Sensory Friendly Theatre series is presented by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders. The performance of The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical is made possible in part by funding from the NJ Department of Community Affairs through a Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant.
The next performance in the Sensory Friendly Theatre series is New Jersey Ballet’s performance of the classic tale of “Cinderella” on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. And in June don’t miss a rollicking family concert featuring a two-time Grammy nominees Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could performing songs that celebrate children of all abilities on Sunday, July 31, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For more information or to purchase tickets call the Union County Performing Arts Center, 732-499-8226 or visit ucpac.org. The UCPAC Box Office, located at 1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is also open late on Thursdays until 8 p.m.
For information on additional Union County recreational programs for people with disabilities age five and up, call the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at 908-527-4806 or visit ucnj.org.