Broadway Access Review -
Prayer for the French Republic

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ID: image of the Prayer for the French Republic Playbill in front of the stage with the text "Access Review" on top

 

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

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the front left orchestra (second row)

Bathrooms:

  • no explicitly gender neutral options, though there is a sign that says “Please use the restroom that best aligns with your personal gender identity and expression”

  • located downstairs beneath the orchestra and two levels above the orchestra

Other theater accessibility:

  • the theater’s entrance has 3 steps to the orchestra (and some steps in the orch), but the elevator is step free

  • all levels of the theatre are wheelchair accessible

  • they offer assistive listening and hearing aid compatible devices, captioning devices, AD headsets, and braille/large print Playbills

Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

  • the show runs 3hr10 with two 10 min intermissions. I was so focused on this show I didn’t notice the run time at all. It moves.

  • I did not need earplugs for this show (announcements are slightly loud but everything else is perfect)

  • I am going to include content warnings within the light/sound breakdown, but some general ones are antisemitism and fighting/dysfunctional family dynamics

  • the set rotates a lot, this is honestly the most moving light/accidental flashes in the lighting design. The window and the piano also cause accidental strobe.

  • these seats have a lot of legroom which is very nice :)

Act I:

  • when dad gets home, cw for blood & hate crime

  • two candles are lit, they get blown out offstage so you don’t smell any smoke

  • first 1940s scene, the knife caused accidental strobe

  • bookshelf lights (first scene after that one) are kind of harsh and weirdly scattered 

  • lights on after the audio of the prayer for the French Republic were kind of a quick flash on

  • cw: panic attack after croissant scene

  • fast blackout after dad says “run”

Act II:

  • opening monologue includes descriptions of murder

  • bookshelf lights reappear after the first 1940s scene

  • after the Anne Frank conversation the scene transition music is kinda loud and then the lights turn on semi quickly

  • lit cigarette with smoke but it’s scentless

  • bookshelf lights reappear again

Act III:

  • bookshelf reappears

  • guitar causes major accidental strobe