By Sandy Zimmerman
(Photos by Ricardo Guzman)
I previously reviewed the Blue Man Group’s exciting show but today their fifth annualSensoryFriendly Performance was reimagined and produced for an autistic audience.
The Blue Man Group slightly modified their performance including reduced sound and light levels at various moments throughout the show.
My interview with Terri Janison, President & CEO, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation:
Janison: “It’s all about awareness and acceptance for the children and their families so they can experience theater as a family with no judgement and everybody can have a good time.
The Blue Men have been fantastic, this is the fifth year they have performed for us and a portion of the proceeds goes to the Grant a Gift Autism Foundation to help us do our work.”
SZ: “What were the special changes in the show?”
Janison: “They reduced some of the more visual lighting but it’s very close to a typical show and the Blue Man Group tries not to do too much because we want the families to enjoy it.
We provide them with sunglasses and ear plugs just in case they might need that. Our families love it every year.”
SZ: “What are the symptoms of autism and how does someone know if they have autism?”
Janison: “A lot of people are referred by their doctor so when they get their regular checkups pediatricians, doctors and even a parent who is watching to see the signs of those next preventive steps to grow. If something is not right, maybe they are not looking at you in your eye, maybe they are not blinking the way you think they should, you should talk to their pediatrician.
First they have to be referred by a doctor then connected to Grant a Gift for the Autism Center which is our partner. We help our families after the doctor gives us the diagnosis and assist them with whatever the next steps should be and help guide them to whatever services out there.”
Grant a Gift Autism Foundation, 630 S. Rancho Dr., Ste. D, Las Vegas.
For information, call 702-564-2453. www.GrantGiftFoundation.org
www.bluemangroup.com
BLUE MAN GROUP describes themselves: At Blue Man Group, you’ll rock, laugh and party. As three bald and blue men explore our world, together we’ll discover music, comedy and surprises at every turn. By the end of this spectacular journey, you’ll be saying, “I don’t even know what just happened but I loooved it.” 35 million people of all ages and cultures know what Blue Man Group is really about. Hard to Describe, Easy to Love!
Sandy Zimmerman produces television programs, documentaries, and travel specials around the world- in Beijing and on the Yangtze River Cruise in China, and in addition to travel specials in Italy and other countries as well as for Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion Canyon National Park, the Grand Canyon North Rim National Park, a real Cattle Drive similar to the early westerns in Reno, Nevada, and other destinations in the US.
With 20 years’ experience as a syndicated Show and Dining Reviewer, Travel/ Luxury writer, Health, as well as a Photographer/ Videographer, Editor, and Talk Show Host of Sandy Zimmerman’s Las Vegas TV Show and Discover the Ultimate Vacation travel specials. For information, questions, comments please contact Sandy Zimmerman at sandyzimm2003@yahoo.com 702-515-0846.
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