Step into a World of Pure Imagination with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Matthews Playhouse this Winter
Matthews Playhouse invites audiences to explore the magical world of Willy Wonka’s iconic chocolate factory this February with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved 1964 novel. This enchanting production will come to life on stage February 21-March 2, 2025 at the Fullwood Theatre in Matthews, NC, offering a sweet and unforgettable adventure for the entire family.
As part of its mission to make the arts more accessible, the theatre has added a sensory-friendly performance of the production at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The performance will be modified to accommodate families with children with sensory sensitivities, on the autism spectrum, and/or with a cognitive or developmental disability while keeping the spirit and the integrity of the production intact.
Matthews Playhouse Executive Director, Sarah Baumgardner, believes offering sensory-friendly performances and engaging children and young adults on the autism spectrum is an important step in making the performing arts more inclusive. “Watching a live performance can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for children, teens, and adults with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities,” she says. “Our sensory-friendly performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is intended to create a more welcoming and comfortable arts experience for them.”
Some of the features in the Sensory Friendly performances will include:
Lower sound and light levels.
A guide to warn audience members of potentially startling or loud sounds.
Dim lighting in the seating area that will remain on for the duration of the performance.
Designated quiet and calm spaces for audience members to utilize as needed.
Permission for audience members to stand, roam around, and come and go as needed.
Audience members are also welcome to bring certain items that provide comfort (cushions, headphones, electronics, snacks, and other support items).
The theatre is also offering a special Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed KiDS (Kids with Disabilities in the Spotlight) Workshop immediately following the 2 p.m. performance. Led by experienced teachers and trained volunteers, this workshop offers tailored instruction to children ages 8–17 on the autism spectrum and/or with cognitive or developmental disabilities in a small and supportive class setting (maximum of 15 students). Through drama, music, and movement, children can build confidence, discover joy, and connect with peers in a space that celebrates their individuality. Participants will also enjoy a meet-and-greet with the cast, a guided set tour, themed games, crafts, pizza, and plenty of fun!
The KiDS workshop is limited to the first 15 students who pre-register before 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28th.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory KiDS Workshop Details
Registration is $40 and includes 1 ticket to the 2 p.m. Sensory Friendly Show prior to the workshop on March 1, 2025.
Children must be dropped off by 1:45 p.m. for the performance and picked up by 6:30 p.m.
Children will be seated together during the performance and supervised by a group of trained staff and volunteers.
Parents who wish to attend the show with their child can contact the box office by calling (704) 846-8343 during business hours or emailing boxoffice@matthewsplayhouse.com. While staff will do their best to seat parents with or near their child, seating together cannot be guaranteed.
Click here to learn more about our KiDS Programs - space is limited, be sure to register today.
Showtimes and tickets to all performances are available at www.matthewsplayhouse.com. Tickets range in price from $18-$28.
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