Autism-friendly performance of ‘Annie’

Father and son actors Rick and Lee Woods of Lunenburg will perform together in Open Door Theater’s production of “Annie,” which runs Jan. 11 through 20 at the Dragonfly Theater, RJ Grey Junior High School, 16 Charter Road, Acton. The elder Woods, who plays Daddy Warbucks, will appear on-stage alongside 22-year-old son Lee, who has autism.

On Jan. 19, they will perform in a first-ever autism-friendly production of the show. The audience will be free to move around and vocalize and trained professionals will be available both in the auditorium and in a designated “chill-out” section to provide help. House lights will be kept partly on throughout the show, and adjustments will be made to reduce the sound level on stage for those with sensitivity issues.

Open Door Theater is a nonprofit community company that has been creating learning experiences for adults and children with special needs. “Annie” will be shown at 7 p.m. Jan. 11, 12, 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. Jan. 13 (American Sign Language interpreted) and 20. Autism-friendly performance at noon Jan. 19 for people with autism-spectrum disorders and family and friends only. Tickets are $12, $8 for autism-friendly performance. For more information, visit www.opendoortheater.org.