Sensory Friendly Performances
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a positive experience for all
MCT is committed to broadening access to the performing arts.
Theatre is for everyone.
Coming up next, we will have a Sensory Friendly performance of
Annie on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:00PM.
For more information or to reserve tickets, please call the Box Office at (406) 728-7529 or email at patronservices@MCTinc.org.
Box Office hours are Mondays-Fridays from noon to 5PM and one hour before showtimes.
Be sure to let the Box Office know if you have any special seating needs.
Join us in the lobby before the performance for a holiday concert from the Missoula Community Chorus’s
MPower Voices. Learn more about MPower Voices here.
Our sensory friendly performances are a cherished MCT tradition.
Our goal is an atmosphere in which our neurodivergent patrons and their family members and/or caregivers feel welcome, safe, and comfortable. There is an earlier than usual curtain time, there is open seating, lights are left on, and we tell patrons that it is OK to enter and leave the auditorium as they need to. We also have a designated quiet area/cozy corner in the lobby. The show’s director oversees small changes to the production: the run time may be shorter, and surprising sounds and lighting effects are toned down. Before the curtain goes up, the director talks to the audience about the show and our “glow stick” system which signals patrons of character entrances, upcoming sound or lighting changes, and more. After the performance, the actors come to the lobby, still in costume, to greet patrons!
The program’s long-term advisor is Alyane Dolson, former Executive Director of VSA Montana. Alayne has also facilitated pre-show concerts by the MPower Voices Choir, which are a lovely addition to the evening. Our latest sensory friendly performance, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featured a pre-show performance by Show Tyme Academy’s danceABLE company!
Sensory Friendly Updates
Performances over the Years
Our first sensory friendly Missoula Community Theatre performance was Once Upon a Mattress in 2012, and in May 2025, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was our 15th!
Theatre for Young Audiences
In 2023, we started a new tradition! We added our annual TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) production to our sensory friendly performance repertoire.
The Community
Series
In the 2025-2026 Community Series, we will have a Sensory Friendly performance of Annie on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 6:00PM.
Patron Testimonial
There are not many places that welcome my 21-year-old son who has autism. He is big and strong, restless, taps and bangs on surfaces, and makes noise. MCT’s sensory-sensitive performance is one place my son can just be himself and enjoy the show without a steady stream of reminders to be quiet. And I can relax, knowing everyone else in the room gets it. Most outings with my son are marred by apprehension, based on experience, that people are going to be hostile. At MCT, we are safe and not only welcome, but invited to enjoy the best venue and talents our community offers.
– Missoula Parent
Past Sensory Friendly Performances
Lyle the Crocodile (2025)
Adapted for the stage by Kevin Kling • Music by Richard Gray
Based on the book Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber
2010 revision and music composition commissioned by Seattle Children’s Theatre.
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
Who is the bravest, kindest, most wonderful crocodile in the whole, wide world? Why, Lyle, of course! Meet that cosmopolitan reptile with a fondness for Turkish caviar in this charming musical about what it means to be a good neighbor. Lyle lives on East 88th Street with the Primm family and does what most well-to-do New York City crocodiles do: help around the house, play with the neighborhood children, go ice skating, and feed the pigeons. But when Mr. Grumps disapproves of our favorite crocodile, Lyle is sent to the zoo! Will Lyle be reunited with his family? Will Mr. Grumps change his mind about his scaly neighbor? Can Lyle win over Loretta the cat? Watch Lyle save the day in this beloved classic, Lyle the Crocodile, at MCT!
“Lyle, Lyle Crocodile” by Bernard Waber
Used by permission of Curtis Brown, Ltd.
Copyright © 1965
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (2025)
Music by RICHARD RODGERS • Book and Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
Adapted for the Stage by Tom Briggs
From the Teleplay by Robert L. Freedman
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella 1957 debut on national TV starring Julie Andrews was the most widely viewed program in history at the time. It inspired new versions in 1965 (Lesley Ann Warren) and the “Enchanted version” in 1997 (pop star Brandy), which garnered seven primetime Emmy Awards. It breathed new life, charm and humor into the classic musical, while keeping memorable songs such as “Ten Minutes Ago,” and “In My Own Little Corner.” Lose yourself in the story of Cinderella dreaming to escape a life of drudgery under her cruel Stepmother and marrying the Prince. Impossible? With help from her Fairy Godmother, it just might be possible. Cinderella is whisked off to the Palace Ball to dance with the Prince, but with a Midnight curfew. Losing a shoe as she flees causes the Prince to begin a kingdom-wide search to perfectly match the glass slipper with the foot of his mysterious new love. (Perfect-fitting shoes are real…in fairy tales). Cinderella transports you to a time and place where a plain yellow pumpkin can become a golden carriage (“Impossible”). If the shoe fits, live happily ever after.
CINDERELLA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com
A Christmas Story, the Musical (2024)
Book by Joseph Robinette. Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Based on the motion picture A Christmas Story distributed by Warner Bros., written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd.
It’s all fun and games until someone shoots their eye out or sticks their tongue on a frozen flagpole. A Christmas Story, The Musical may be set in 1940s Indiana, but the iconic cultural references from the 1983 film will ring out like the sound of a Red Ryder BB Gun to modern-day audiences. Young Ralphie Parker’s quest for a special Christmas gift, the local bullies, the Bunny suit, Christmas dinner, the list goes on (no, we didn’t forget the leg lamp). The musical garnered 3 Tony Award nominations in 2013, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Go ahead and watch the 1983 non-musical movie every year, but you don’t want to miss the experience of enjoying an innocent and charming classic live on stage this December; it’ll be as priceless as receiving a Major Award!
Produced with permission of Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Dalfie Entertainment.
Produced by special arrangement with DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois.LISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
Charlotte’s Web (2024)
Based on the novel by E.B White and dramatized by Joseph Robinette
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
All the enchanting characters are here: Wilbur, the irresistible young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher; Fern, a girl who understands what animals say to each other; Templeton, the gluttonous rat who can occasionally be talked into a good deed; and, most of all, the extraordinary spider, Charlotte, who proves to be “a true friend and a good writer.” Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte begins her campaign with the “miracle” of her web in which she writes, “Some pig.” It’s the beginning of a victorious campaign which ultimately ends with the now-safe Wilbur doing what is most important to Charlotte.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (2024)
Music by Alan Menken • Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice • Book by Linda Woolverton
Once upon a time (well, 1991), the tale as old as time captured the hearts and imaginations of millions when Beauty and the Beast burst onto movie theatre screens capturing multiple Academy awards and nominations, then onto the Broadway stage where it garnered 9 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical. While the story begins with a vain and cruel prince whose punishment is to be transformed into a hideous beast, banished to live behind castle walls, his hope of redemption comes in the form of a beautiful and bookish girl (Belle), who dreams of adventure outside of her provincial town. She stumbles upon the castle, meeting the enchanted servants (Lumière the charming French valet), Mrs. Potts (the kind hearted head of the kitchen staff), Babette (the feather-dusting maid), and others, all who invite Belle to put their service to the test as she seeks to find beauty beneath the beast. This classic, colorful and fantastical fairy tale features some of Disney’s most beloved characters and greatest musical numbers, but it does have some darker moments on the journey, as most fairy tales do. MCT invites you to Be Our Guest at this 2023-2024 season finale.
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (2023)
Script Adaptation by Robert Penola • Music & Lyrics by Johnny Marks
We know you can recall the most famous Reindeer of all! MCT is beyond thrilled to offer the holiday classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, based on the 1964 animated television special, as a live musical! This story, of Rudolph’s journey from rejection by his peers, to finding friends among the misfit toys, to the most coveted position guiding Santa’s sleigh, has been a holiday favorite for generations. Now it’s time for the children to bring their parents and grandparents to celebrate the most lovable Reindeer ever! With a run time of just 90 minutes (including intermission), you’ll have time for more holiday fun before that long winter’s nap.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Dragons Love Tacos (2023)
It’s a rainy, gloomy day and Boy is sick of doing math homework. So, he and his faithful dog Leroy sit down to watch a little TV. As they click through the channels, they come upon a show about dragons which teaches them a remarkable secret… dragons LOVE tacos! Suddenly, his house is full of hungry dragons ready for a taco party! But, when Boy unknowingly gives the dragons a certain spicy topping, their taco party gets out of hand. Will Boy and Leroy be able to get their house back in order before Mom gets home?
The Happy Elf (2022)
Music and Lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr. Book by Lauren Gunderson & Andrew Fishman.
Based on the song by Harry Connick, Jr. Adapted from the television show written by Andrew Fishman.
Based on the animated film written by Harry Connick Jr, this hilarious and jazzy-styled show is destined to become a new holiday classic! It’s Christmas Eve and Eubie the Elf wants nothing more than to be on Santa’s sleigh team. But he is stuck checking the nice and naughty list. When he realizes the entire town of Bluesville has zero people on the nice list, Eubie uses this opportunity to make his way down to this dreary little town and bring some Christmas joy to the folks that live there. But can he get a fresh batch of people for the nice list before Santa hits the night sky?
HAPPY ELF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Rainbow Fish (2022)
Experience the beloved international bestseller and award-winning book – The Rainbow Fish – and its wonderful message of friendship and belonging. With shiny, multi-colored scales, Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in all of the ocean, and the only one of his kind. But when Rainbow Fish refuses to share his vibrant, shimmering scales, the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus, who helps him learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.
The Spongebob Musical (2022)
What began as an extremely popular animated cartoon on Nickelodeon (seen in more than 170 countries) has become a full-blown Broadway musical that in 2018 received 12 Tony award nominations and the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical! The final entree of the 2021-2022 Missoula Community Theatre à la carte season is a story of hope, joy and overcoming adversity when we work together to save our world. In this case, the world is under the sea and the most unusual hero is a sea sponge…known simply as SpongeBob SquarePants.
Seussical (2019)
Your favorite colorful characters from the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss come endearingly to life in this musical extravaganza. Through the ubiquitous narration of the Cat in the Hat, we meet big-hearted Horton the Elephant. Horton’s faithfulness and loyalty lead him on epic adventures in egg-sitting and protecting a dust-sized Who world. He also befriends a disillusioned boy named Jojo, who, like him, feels “Alone in the Universe.” With dazzling music and lyrics by Tony-winning team Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, you and your entire family will be transported and uplifted! Rated G
Newsies (2019)
For the Newsies of 1899, selling newspapers on the gritty streets of New York City was a constant test of wit and stamina. When greedy publisher, Joseph Pulitzer, raises the price of his paper to cut out the Newsies, the ragtag group raises its voice (“The World Will Know”) and organizes a strike. The boys take on some of the most powerful, ruthless men of the era. A musical filled with energizing anthems and glorious dance, the Tony Award-winning Newsies vividly tells a compelling, often comical, story of the human spirit. Newsies will undoubtedly capture your heart.
The Little Mermaid (2018)
Her home “Under the Sea” is where her father thinks she belongs, but adventurous mermaid, Ariel, longs to explore the fascinating world of humans. After all, the dashing Prince Eric is “Part of that World”! Meanwhile, the vengeful Sea Witch, Ursula, concocts a dastardly plan to get her slippery tentacles on Ariel’s beautiful voice. Ariel exchanges her voice for human legs, to the chagrin of her faithful friends, Flounder, Sebastian the Crab, and Scuttle the Seagull. Will love bring Ariel’s voice back to the sea? This majestic and fun Disney classic will have your entire family singing and swimming in their seats!
The Wizard of Oz (2017)
Follow the yellow brick road to the Missoula Community Theatre because we’re off to see the Wizard!
The Wizard of Oz will be presented April 27-May 14, at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.
Young Dorothy and her little dog, Toto, adventure their way over the rainbow to find friendship and discover the power they possessed all along.
Mary Poppins (2016)
Take an enchanting, classic story with vibrantly positive characters; add oodles of familiar, uplifting songs that make you feel wonderful; then stage it live, complete with a no-nonsense nanny who actually flies. If it sounds like a magical, “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” kind of experience, it is, because Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical is flying with the Missoula Community Theatre April 28-May 15!
Shrek (2015)
Get ready for some big fun as we bring to life the story of this oversized, misunderstood, green orge – or is he a hero? Toss in a crazy mixture of fractured fairytale characters with attitude to spice it up, such as an overly-chatty donkey, and a pretty princess with panache. This funny musical feast is mixed with pop culture references, adolescent humor, catchy tunes, and a traditional happy ending. It is a delight for the whole family.
Little Red and the Hoods (2015)
Missoula Children’s Theatre celebrates Arts in Education Week with a special Theatre for Young Audiences production! This delightful twist on Little Red Riding Hood is suitable for the whole family. It’s updated with modern lessons for today’s children and includes opportunities for voluntary audience participation.
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (2013)
The delicious adventures, experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory, light up the stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Featuring the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder, in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth.
Miracle on 34th Street (2012)
The holiday tale of a young girl who doubts the existence of Santa Claus until a very special, white-bearded old man changes her mind. Recreating the magic of the classic story, Miracle on 34th St is a joyous, heartwarming holiday treat for the entire family. Dreams do come true, if you believe!
Once Upon a Mattress (2012)
This family-friendly, musical comedy is based upon Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale, “The Princess and the Pea”—only this version is chock-full of wonderfully wacky characters performed by talented Missoula actors. The story begins in a small, medieval kingdom where Prince Dauntless must find a wife. He has had twelve prospects thus far, but none that his mother, Queen Aggravain approve of. The ladies and lords of the court are personally invested in finding the prince a wife, and hopeful that the Queen will approve of the “lucky thirteenth” contender. The score by composer and writer Mary Rodgers (“Free to Be . . . You And Me,” “Freaky Friday”) and lyricist Marshall Barer (“Here I Come to Save The Day,” theme of “Mighty Mouse”) adds depth to the show through beguiling songs about royal courtship.