Rolling with Sarah

I have always loved the theatre. Growing up my Aunt was a props mistress so we were always dressed up by my mom and grandmother and taken out to “the show” she was working on. It was always a fun time and I have a lot of happy memories of that.

Flash forward to now, and I still love the theatre, especially Broadway productions. I’m lucky to have seen quite a few including The Lion King, Wicked, Come From Away, Frozen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Aladdin, and many more. Usually I receive tickets to a show as a gift on holidays, such as Christmas or my birthday. This year I got tickets to Peter Pan. It was playing at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in downtown Toronto.

There are two entrances to the theatre. Able-bodied people can choose either. Many do choose the back entrance on Victoria Street, but if you are in a wheelchair this is the designated entrance. Once you go through the doors, to the right there is a small lift with an attendant. They help you get on and send you up to the lobby. Here you wait with everyone else until the inside doors officially “open” and they start scanning tickets.

Once inside there is a merchandise stand. I always get a T-Shirt to remember the experience. The lines are navigable in a wheelchair, though sometimes it can be tough getting through the crowds. It is a little hard to reach the counter, but I managed to pay for my purchase on my own as the salesperson was very helpful.

After a short wait it was time to take our seats. People with disabilities are given early access to the performance hall. This makes it much easier to get settled in my seat before the rush of people. There is a row midway through the audience where several seats have been removed so wheelchairs can take their place. I like that I have the option to stay in my chair while still sitting in a row and not to the side or in an aisle like an afterthought. If you prefer, there is also the option to transfer out of your chair. An usher will remove your wheelchair during the show and return it to you during intermission and once the performance is over. My preference is to stay in my chair. I find it more comfortable, but it is nice that there are different options for different needs.

It was a wonderful show and the cast should be very proud of what they accomplished. My favourite character was by portrayed by the actor who played Captain Hook They were extraordinary and really committed to the part.

The whole troupe received a standing ovation, which I would have participated in had I been able. That is one thing that tends to bug me. As I cannot stand, often I am the odd one out in things like standing for the national anthem and standing ovations. Most events that sing the national anthem now say “please stand, if you are able,” which is nice, but I find there is not yet an equivalent for a standing ovation. You sort of get lost in the crowd. At the camp I attend (Campfire Circle) we have a tradition where we raise our arms to create an “O” and chant “”O”. This is much more inclusive as it doesn’t block anyone because everyone remains seated, but we still show our appreciation of the performance. It would be awesome if this practice was accepted by the mainstream.

Going to the theatre is something everyone should be able to enjoy. I’m glad the Ed Mirvish Theatre has made it so I can see a show, even if I can’t give the standing ovation. Perhaps in the future a new inclusive method for an ovation will be adapted. Either way, I am excited to see which shows come to Toronto and Ottawa to go see next!