EAST HADDAM, Conn. (Oct. 21, 2026) – To make live theatre accessible to all, Goodspeed Musicals will be offering a special Sensory-Friendly Performance for the 50th Anniversary production of Annie on Sunday, Dec. 13, at 6:30 p.m. The Tony-winning musical made its pre-Broadway premiere at The Goodspeed in 1976 and now makes its triumphant return to The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn.
It is important that everyone in our community can experience and benefit from the power of live theatre. This family-friendly performance is designed and intended for people affected by sensory-processing sensitivities. The theatre environment will be altered, providing a safe, friendly, comfortable and inclusive zone that is welcoming for all. There will be modifications to lighting and sound and a designated quiet area for people who need a break. The performance is only open to families and caregivers who are familiar with and accepting of behaviors exhibited by some individuals with autism and other sensory-processing sensitivities — and would like to bring a loved one to the theatre.
Leapin’ Lizards! The musical that stole America’s heart comes home to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the stage where it all began! With pluck and positivity, Annie escapes Miss Hannigan’s orphanage in search of her parents and finds a new family with her lovable mutt Sandy and billionaire Oliver Warbucks. This dazzling new production bursts with joy and timeless songs like “Tomorrow,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” and “Maybe.” You can bet your bottom dollar—it’s the can’t-miss event of the season!
For this special Annie performance, theatregoers can expect pre-show resources such as a character guide, a plot synopsis, photos and video clips, a social story, FAQs, and a “coming to the theatre” video at goodspeed.org/sensoryfriendly.
Discounted tickets for this performance are being sold only to people affected by sensory-processing challenges and their families. To purchase tickets or ask questions about this special performance, please contact Morgan Dumark-McNamee at 860.615.0318.
Lead sponsors of Goodspeed’s Sensory-Friendly Performance for Annie are Thomas M. Neff and Lyndon Haviland. Goodspeed’s Sensory-Friendly Performances are also sponsored by Hebron Lions Charities, Inc.; Maximillion E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Inc.; Middlesex United Way; The Max Showalter Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and The Suzio York Hill Companies.
For show highlights, exclusive photos, special events and more, visit us at goodspeed.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
ABOUT GOODSPEED MUSICALS
Goodspeed Musicals is a nonprofit arts organization that has achieved international acclaim and is the first theatre in the nation to receive two Tony Awards for outstanding achievement in musical theatre. Under the leadership of Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director, and Vanessa Logan, Managing Director, Goodspeed Musicals is dedicated to the celebration, development and advancement of musical theatre. Goodspeed creates powerful, world-class productions of enlightening new and established works to delight, inspire and challenge audiences on its two stages – The Goodspeed in East Haddam, Conn., and The Terris Theatre in Chester, Conn. From Goodspeed, 21 musicals have gone to Broadway (including Man of La Mancha, Annie, Shenandoah and Holiday Inn) and 92 world premieres have been launched. Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals, GoodWorks commissioning program and the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed are distinguished cornerstones of the organization that highlight its commitment to nurture creators and the creative process. Goodspeed also maintains The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre. The organization is supported in part by the Burry Fredrik Foundation; the Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency; Masonic are at Chester Village; The Norma Terris/Albert D. Firestone Foundation; The Richard P. Garmany Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development. Additional support is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of Goodspeed Musicals. For more information, visit www.goodspeed.org.