In honor of Disabilities Awareness Month, Arts West announces “Once: The Musical.”

“Once” will run at Arts West from March 17–March 19, 2023. Performances will be at 8 p.m. March 17, 18, 19, and a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. March 18.

Summary: On the streets of Dublin, two people (Guy and Girl) meet and bond over their shared love of music. As Girl encourages Guy to record and share his music, their connection blossoms into an unexpected and complicated romance. “Once” is being presented for disabilities awareness month with a special emphasis on the Deaf community and culture by including two ASL interpreters as shadow interpreters to the actors. This way of interpreting has not been attempted in the areas before and it makes the show more fully accessible for the Deaf community. Arts West is taking inspiration from Deaf West Theatre, all performances will feature American Sign Language interpretation as a prominent aspect of the show. The inclusion of the Deaf community and accessibility for all theatergoers is currently lacking in the area, making this production a unique experience for all who attend.

The sensory-friendly performance (March 18, 2 p.m.) will include altered lighting and sounds, sensory and calming materials, accessible restrooms, and a pre-show presentation. A sensory-friendly show is an adapted performance to foster a more welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with sensory-processing disorders, developmental differences, autism, and others who struggle with the traditional audience set-up. For more information, to RSVP, or to request accommodations, contact Alyssa Embry. (alyssacembry@gmail.com)

Music and lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová; book by Enda Walsh. Based on the film written and directed by John Carney.

For more information or quotes:
Arts West: 740-592-4315, artswestathens@gmail.com Emily Beveridge, producer: ebeveridge@ci.athens.oh.us Dayton Willison, director: dwillison@ci.athens.oh.us Carter Rice, production manager: crice@ci.athens.oh.us

Tickets are currently available here: https://www.ci.athens.oh.us/641/Arts-West-Productions. Admission is $13.

Please note this production is recommended for ages 13+ due to language.

Once is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com