Broadway Access Review - Parade
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General Note
This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it.
This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down.
For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!
I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.
Theater
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
Please note that all comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to sitting in the mezzanine of the theater, not in the orchestra (bottom floor).
Bathrooms:
no gender neutral options, but there is a sign saying use whichever bathroom feels comfortable to you and your gender
located down a flight of stairs (below the orchestra), though there is one non-gendered accessible restroom on the orchestra level
Other theater accessibility:
there is no elevator
with advanced notice, they can supply captioning, audio description, and assistive listening options
Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.
Light/Sound/Scent
General:
There are some moving projections in the back of the stage but they aren’t very flashy or quickly moving if they move at all
I personally was fine without earplugs for this show, others may not be, but it was pretty chill auditorily
Act I:
Opening number - lights once on audience
Searching factory - flashlight may have shown on orchestra seats
Act II:
Party scene - smell of cigarette smoke
Chain gang - loud whistle
After Leo falls - sudden lights on audience
Content Warnings
This kinda contains spoilers! Be warned!
General:
Antisemitism
Racism & Confederate flags
The US carceral system
Comments about someone’s stimming making them creepy/guilty and other references to body language analysis (may be triggering for some autistic folks)
Act I:
Second half of the act - SA and CSA
Act II:
Near the end of the act - lynching