On Saturday morning, we had the opportunity to attend a sensory friendly performance of the Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, adapted and presented by the CM Performing Arts Center (CMPAC) in Oakdale. Named after the late founder and executive director, Noel S. Ruiz, the theater brings joy to so many theater-goers, and is an excellent way to introduce live theater to children – truly a gem in our community!
For Stanley Lambchop, life is too ordinary, until he is accidentally flattened by a fallen bulletin board and gains the ability to explore the world in this altered state. The beloved children’s book character comes to life in the Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. With infectious songs, lively dance and funny dialogue the audience was mesmerized! Keeping the house lights on, the volume down, and providing additional staff to assist families, CMPAC does such a great job adapting to the needs of all families with their sensory friendly performances, giving everyone a chance to experience the theater in a safe and loving environment.
We had such a great time watching a two-dimensional Stanley on stage as he traveled the world through the mail, being stamped, posted, and cancelled from Hollywood to France and Honolulu and beyond – all in an effort to get back to his old self. Through his uniquely global adventure, Stanley learns about the value in being different as well as the importance of family.
What’s on the other side of the sunny side of life? Well it’s the funny side, of course! One of our favorite numbers in the show was “The Funny Sunny Side,” where Stanley learns that being flat is at least something new. “Always look on the funny side of life…good things will come!”
CMPAC is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive contribution to arts-education, culture, and the quality of life on Long Island. Offering a variety of shows at an affordable price, there is definitely something for everyone at the CM Performing Arts Center. For a complete listing and show times, please visit www.cmpac.com.
Thank you so much to the cast and crew of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, and to the wonderful people at CMPAC!! We can’t wait to see you all again!
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