GiGiPHNYC x Roundabout Theatre Company presents Amy and the Orphans

“Having Down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me. We are all born in different ways. That is the way I can describe it. I have a normal life”. – Chris Burke, Actor and Self-Advocate

As a Latina, it is always exciting to see people like Rita Morena, Salma Hayek, Jimmy Smits, and Benicio Del Toro on stage and screen; people who looked like me, people who didn’t necessarily fit society’s (or, Hollywood’s) standards. For anyone who has ever been perceived as different, having those individuals who are in the public eye, with whom we can identify, can be very empowering. It can serve as a benchmark for hopes and dreams, proof that all people can achieve. While my personal experience is that of someone who felt different because family members had accents different from those of my friends and in the summer, after time spent in the sun, my skin was far darker than most people whom I knew, there are any number of reasons as to why a person may be perceived as different: this includes individuals with Down syndrome.

Just as it was empowering for me to see movies like, “West Side Story”, in which the characters looked and sounded like me, it is empowering for individuals with Down syndrome to see their peers graduating from college, giving speeches, obtaining employment, and yes…performing on Broadway! GiGi’s Playhouse NYC is thrilled to be partnering with the Roundabout Theatre Company for their upcoming production of, Amy and the Orphans in which Jamie Brewer of television’s, American Horror Story is starring. Ms. Brewer is not only an accomplished actress, but a model as well, being the first woman with Down syndrome to walk the red carpet at New York City’s Fashion Week. The opportunity to see this talented woman and passionate self-advocate performing on the Great White Way is not to be missed!

We at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC are excited to be working alongside the Roundabout Theatre Company, both in support of Jamie Brewer and Amy and the Orphans. In fact, if you are able to attend a Wednesday matinee, there is a good chance that you may see one of our participants volunteering as an usher!  Additionally, we are excited to share with you a discount code with which you can purchase tickets at $40 off the regular price!

Use code ATOGPH1 and save $40 on tickets to Amy and the Orphans now through March 4!*

*Regular price $89. $49 select orchestra and mezzanine for all performances. Discount prices are valid for performances through 4/15/18. Must order by 3/4/18. Additional blackout dates may apply. All prices include a $2 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order. Normal service charges apply to phone and Internet orders. Offer subject to availability and is not applicable toward previous purchases. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. All sales are final—no refunds.

Please use this link: https://www.roundabouttheatre.org/tickets/reserve.aspx?pid=24837&promo=ATOGPH1&fullsite=true

So, what is Amy and the Orphans about? Good question! “Hop in, buckle up and hold on for dear life in this raucous family road trip. After their father’s death, two unhinged siblings reunite with Amy, their movie-loving sister who has Down syndrome (Jamie Brewer, “American Horror Story”). Together, they careen down the Great American Long Island Expressway, navigating strip malls, traffic jams and some serious (and not-so-serious) family drama. An unexpected turn reveals the moment that changed their lives…and the fact that Amy may be the only one who knows her own mind. This limited engagement Off-Broadway is recommended for ages 12 and up.”

How awesome is this? After all, how often does a renowned Broadway theatre showcase actors of differing abilities? We at GiGi’s Playhouse NYC are thrilled to see this kind of diversity being brought to the Great White, as it will serve as an inspiration for audience members, while also promoting accessbility in the arts.   We cannot wait for you to join us in supporting The Roundabout Theatre, GiGi’s Playhouse NYC and the New York City Down syndrome community.

So, come join us in our support of the Roundabout Theatre Company, and diversity and accessibility within the arts!

In Gratitude,

Victoria Nadal, Executive Director