by Steven Verdile. @stevenverdilecreative
NEW YORK, NY - The Pulitzer-winning play Cost of Living features groundbreaking authentic disability representation, and is one of the only shows on Broadway where disabled fans can see themselves on stage. That is, if they manage to snag one of the elusive wheelchair-accessible spaces at the Samuel J Friedman Theater.
“I’m used to being the only one that needs that space at most shows,” commented fan Thomas Evans, whose wheelchair was covered in a plethora of Broadway pins and had ripped Playbill pages caught in the tires. “But trying to get an accessible ticket to ‘Cost of Living’ is harder than seeing Hamilton during the Obama administration.
With a cast of four including Gregg Mozgala and Katy Sullivan, two wheelchair users, the show welcomes disabled theater fans everywhere to come and enjoy the show, as long as it’s no more than seven of them on any given night.
“While we pride ourselves on our beautiful 650-seat space, it’s a very specific few seats that everyone seems to want,” said one box office worker, who now finally understood why so many phone callers were asking if mezzanine seat 32A-WC was available. “Perhaps 7 out of 650 was the wrong seating-ratio for this show.”
Another fan, Britney Simpson, sporting a “I’m the Next Nessarose” t-shirt, noticed this phenomenon when she was getting to her seat.
“I’ve never waited so long for an elevator in my life! I figured after the show I would get out quick and avoid that line by leaving during the standing ovation. I’m not a big fan of those anyways.”
The seating situation is a bit uncommon, but most patrons are understanding. Evans commented further.
“I’m not too bothered by it. If I can’t get an accessible ticket there I’ll probably just see a different show nearby, like Hadestown, which is just a block away. At least I shouldn’t have to worry about any disability-accommodation issues there.”
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