Broadway let’s everyone shine no matter the disability, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, etc.
Not only did Spring Awakening bring Ali Stoker’s debut, but it also was the first musical to ever cast deaf and hard of hearing actors/actresses.
It is really a beautiful moment, when those who never thought they could, have their dreams come true.
Throughout this performance, the entire cast and crew were able to learn sign language.
The use of connecting sign language to dance was truly beautiful.
“I’m really excited about how we’ve been able to meld the deaf community and the hearing community, they really feel like they can finally enjoy theatre on their own premises, instead of always in the hearing perspective.” – Sandra Mae Frank, the actress for Wendla Bergman
“A lot of Deaf people might think, ‘It’s all for hearing people.’ But, [with] this, they realize what’s possible. There’s a sense of the visually and he musicality in the signs that is exciting for them.” – Daniel Durant, the actor for Mortiz
It’s very interesting to think about how the vibration of the music, the lighting, the sets, and the movement can be a story even without the sound.
I hope to see more musicals that bring inclusive communities to the stage.