Broadway Access Review -
Purpose

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ID: image of the Purpose 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.

Also please note that I make these while seeing a show for the first time, so I may miss some cues or be slightly off as to their placement/cue line!

Theater

Hayes Theater

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the front right orchestra

Bathrooms:

  • divided into the binary

  • located downstairs (below the orchestra, far R of the stage) - please note that the entrance and exit are two different doors in two different directions!

Other theater accessibility:

  • there is an ADA accessible entrance from the stage door

  • there is an elevator to the mezzanine, with accessible seats both in orchestra and mezzanine

  • they supply loop assistive listening systems at the booth by the stairs

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

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

  • I did not need earplugs for this show

  • the sensory accessibility is similar to that of Prayer for the French Republic and Eureka Day

Act I:

  • some quiet tissue paper noise during much of the opening monologue

  • brief unscented smoke from the beehive that dissipates quickly

Act II:

  • 3 strikes of lightning and thunder sounds during the monologue after Aziza goes upstairs - they’re only from the window on stage right and very small/quiet

  • gunshot sound (it’s a bit quieter than you’re expecting) after Junior storms into the basement in the beekeeping suit

Content Advisory

  • unhealthy family dynamics & arguing

  • queerphobia

  • ableism/sanism

  • discussions of suicide

  • brief violence

  • brief mention of climate change

  • brief discussions of police brutality and incarceration.

This show is definitely heavy at times, but please note that it leans more toward the comedy side!”