Off-Broadway Access Review -
Twenty Sided Tavern
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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.
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
Stage 42
All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in the direct center of the audience
Bathrooms:
divided into the binary, but there is a sign that says “Please use the restroom that best fits your gender identity and expression”. They are accessible.
located straight ahead once you enter
Other theater accessibility:
the theater has a step-free entrance and is up the stairs/escalator by the bathrooms (there is an elevator)
to book accessible seats you must go in person or call
each row has single steps down or up except the wheelchair accessible rows
the theatre offers assistive listening devices. Other access needs (like CC/AD) should be inquired about in advance given that it’s a different show every night!
Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.
Light/Sound/Scent
General:
this show is somewhat immersive and partially improvised! Which means some of my cues may not exist in your version of the show. I talked to some people who have been several times, so I think these things are pretty standard, but they may not line up perfectly
the immersive element translates to using a site on your phone to vote for things and complete challenges. You’re also welcome to call things out and get chosen for various things, but you always have the option to not. The first row is sometimes directly interacted with
there are hanging bulb string lights throughout the audience that create motion which by Act II made me slightly motion sick. Also the downlights on the audience occasionally change colors based on what team is doing something (green/blue/red). They also occasionally have small booms & single light pulses for hits.
I ended up putting in earplugs about halfway through (to offset the lights) and I could still hear everything clearly
The sensory experience of this show is similar to that of Mind Mangler and Dracula
Pre-Show: there is medium volume music playing in the theater, there are downlights moving over the audience - both non-textured ones and ones that are shaped like D20s. Also the cast members will be in the audience, who will talk with you to explain how the show works.
Act I:
white wash over the stage and audience after the “Twenty Sided Tavern!” at the end of the opening monologue
the opening credits have a lot of back wall projection motion and make use of the string lights for about ~30-45 seconds, I didn’t find it to be particularly straining
side to side moving projection for traveling to the town
moving downlights over the audience during the game bit (like during the pre-show, just house lights are down)
explosion noise with a small red flash and the projections move like an earthquake, followed by fire-esque twinkling motion from the string lights for ~60 seconds into blackout
moving white downlights over the audience after “Ale! And well met!”
Intermission: same light/sound situation as pre-show
Act II:
replay of the explosion situation after they re-enter
side to side motion on projection for ~10 sec after audience member finishes reading their lines
each time “chaos chart” is mentioned, blue moves quickly through the string lights front to back
when/if the lights go out (this doesn’t happen every time apparently), there’s a flashlight pointed at the audience for a bit. This scene was very dim for awhile
single boom after they arrive in the cave
when the villain appears there is a bolt of energy followed by a boom, projection earthquake, and white string lights move quickly
white wash over audience after voting for the final boss is complete
another boom & earthquake, followed by lots of smoke
when the top of the stool is taken off (after combat), string lights move (purple) each time an item is added
all lights on stage individually flash on/off white for ~10 sec after the ritual is complete (this feels quite strobey)
stage is kind of dim for a bit after this
after the final blackout the lighting situation from pre-show/intermission returns
Content Warnings
All D&D things are on the table – meaning murder, poison, violence, etc. Also for those who are alcohol sensitive, please be aware that the actors occasionally do shots and chug beers onstage.