Sensory friendly screening of The Polar Express
This is the first we’ve heard of Sensory Friendly screenings, presentations geared specifically for families with special needs children. Done in partnership with the Autism Society, the screenings offer a safe and accepting environment in which youngsters are invited to walk around, dance, sing, talk along with the picture, etc. The house lights are up and the volume is turned down: no one will shush the small frys or ask that they remain seated. (Fortunately, the target audience is too young to understand the film’s references to Hitler’s kindertransport or Leni Riefenstahl’s filming of the Nuremberg rally.) Named for a man whose television work is best described as sensory deprived, the screening will be held at the Bob Hope Theater. But seriously, why not show Son of Paleface, Hope’s masterful collaboration with Frank Tashlin, on the big screen? I’ll gladly join the kids in a chorus of Buttons and Bows. Admission is free. — Scott Marks