Seattle’s April lineup of accessible performances
Your monthly guide to inclusive performances in the Puget Sound region.
Spring has been slow to make its way to Seattle this year. Which means, if you’re anything like me, you’re feeling a bit stilted, like you haven’t fully thawed from the hibernation of winter. But no matter what is going on outside, the insides of Puget Sound’s performance spaces are exploding with energy.
This month in particular, there is a theme of shaking off old ideas and expectations. And even a little bit of anarchy. Teenagers boldly fight for their right to dance in Footloose at Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts. A few towns over at Village Theatre, the adolescence tries to find their place in the world, while desperately holding on to the approval of their peers in Grease.
While these two shows are pieces of history in their own right (one based on the classic 80s film and the other taking place in the 50s) a more archaic form of disturbance is taking place in Sherwood Forest. Robin Hood is stealing from the rich, giving to the needy, and asking the young audiences of Seattle Children’s Theatre to join in the fight.
There’s a lot more to see, hear, and experience this month with accessible performances. As you may notice, we even have a new theatre in the mix this month—we hope these inclusive performances keep blooming, even if the trees in our city are slow to do the same.
Les Misérables
Closed Captioned: Available at all performances
Open Captioned: April 12 at 6:30 p.m.; April 18 at 2 p.m.
Audio Described: April 12 & 19 at 1 p.m.
ASL Interpreted: April 18 at 8 p.m.; April 19 at 1 p.m.
Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
Broadway at The Paramount
seattle.broadway.com
The Best Damn Thing
Captioned: April 4 at 2 p.m.; April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
ASL Interpreted: April 8 at 7:30 p.m.
The Best Damn Thing is a boldly theatrical exploration of young women’s genius and power in the face of a society hellbent on holding them back.
Dacha Theatre
dachatheatre.org
Giselle
Audio Described: April 18 at 2 p.m.
This romantic ballet gem has been updated and staged by Peter Boal for PNB with sumptuous costumes and sets by Jérôme Kaplan. A mountain village in a lush forest becomes the backdrop to love, betrayal, and otherworldly specters in this compelling masterpiece.
Pacific Northwest Ballet
pnb.org
Footloose
ASL Interpreted: April 4 at 8 p.m.
When city teenager Ren McCormack arrives in the small town of Bomont, he’s shocked to learn that dancing is banned. Refusing to accept a life without music or movement, Ren challenges the law and the fears behind it.
Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts
redcurtainfoundation.org
Robin Hood
ASL Interpreted: April 4 at 12 p.m.
Sensory Friendly: April 25 at 12 p.m.
A wannabe king, lawless law enforcement, and the rich hoarding all the wealth—it’s dark times in Nottingham. But out of the mists of nearby Sherwood Forest comes the hero we’ve been waiting for.
Seattle Children’s Theatre
sct.org
Mary Jane
Open Captioned: April 2 at 7:30 p.m.; April 8 at 2 p.m.
Sensory Friendly: April 4 at 2 p.m.
ASL & Audio Described: April 11 at 2 p.m.
While navigating her son’s health challenges, Mary Jane meets and builds community with women from all walks of life, experiencing joy and connection amidst the distress and heartbreak.
Seattle Rep
seattlerep.org
Appropriate
Open Captioned: April 23 at 7:30 p.m.; April 29 at 2 p.m.
Sensory Friendly: April 25 at 2 p.m.
ASL & Audio Described: May 2 at 2 p.m.
When the Lafayettes descend upon their late father’s crumbling plantation home for an estate sale, they unearth an appalling secret that pits them against one another.
Seattle Rep
seattlerep.org
Silent Movie Mondays: Faust
Audio Described: April 27 at 7 p.m.
Open Captioned: Pre and post-show talks are open captioned
Experience this epic story of temptation, redemption, and eternal struggle as the Paramount Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ fills the space with an unforgettable, live score—heightening the film’s supernatural drama and visual splendor.
Seattle Theatre Group
stgpresents.org
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Closed Captioned: April 15 at 2 p.m.
The club is alive, the band is swingin’, and the music of a jazz legend brings the house down. This immersive musical revue celebrates the life of Fats Waller on stage with joy, rhythm, and soul.
Taproot Theatre Company
taproottheatre.org
Grease
ASL Interpreted: April 11 at 2 p.m.
Captioned: April 25 at 2 p.m.
From its earliest performance in a Chicago nightclub through its record-breaking Broadway run and hit feature film, Grease has remained one of the world’s most popular musicals.
Village Theatre Issaquah
villagetheatre.org
