Audio Description: Narration added to the soundtrack to describe important visual details that cannot be understood from the main soundtrack alone. Audio description is a means to inform individuals who are blind or who have low vision about visual content essential for comprehension. Audio description of video provides information about actions, characters, scene changes, on-screen text, and other visual content. Audio description supplements the regular audio track of a program. Audio description is usually added during existing pauses in dialogue. Audio description is also called “video description” and “descriptive narration”.
To learn more about audio description, visit the Audio Description Project website.
Audio Described Movies in Theaters in MA
From April 26 – May 2, 2024
By Vicki Vogt and The Bay State Council of the Blind
Note: I will be attending a conference outside of the USA next week so the Movie info will be late. I will be back by May 6 and will send it out at that time.
NEW MOVIES
Alien: 45th Anniversary Re-Release
2 Hours, 5 Min.
Rated R for sci-fi violence/gore and language
Genre: Horror, SciFi
Description:
In the distant future, the crew of the commercial spaceship “Nostromo” is on its way home when the crew picks up a distress call from a distant moon. The crew is under obligation to investigate and the spaceship descends on the small planetoid afterward. After a rough landing, three crew members leave the spaceship to explore the area on the planetoid. At the same time as the crew discovers a hive colony of some unknown creature, the ship’s computer deciphers the message to be a warning, not a distress call. When one of the eggs is disturbed, the crew realizes that it is not alone on the spaceship and it must deal with the consequences.
Trivia:
The blue laser lights that were used in the alien ship’s egg chamber were borrowed fromThe Who. The band was testing out the lasers for their stage show in the soundstage next door.
For the chestburster sequence, SirJohn Hurtstuck his head, shoulders and arms through a hole in the mess table, linking up with a mechanical torso that was packed with compressed air (to create the forceful exit of the alien) and lots of animal guts (which, according toSigourney Weaver, caused the set to smell horribly). The rest of the cast were not told that real blood and guts were being used, so as to provoke genuine reactions of shock and disgust. Apparently, this worked so well thatYaphet Kottowent home in complete shock afterwards, locking himself in a room and refusing to talk to his wife for several hours.
Shredded condoms were used to create tendons of the beast’s ferocious jaws.
Boy Kills World
1 Hour, 51 Min.
Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, language, some drug use and sexual references
Genre: Action, Crime, SciFi, Thriller
Description:
Skarsgård stars as “Boy” who vows revenge after his family is murdered by Hilda Van Der Koy (Janssen), the deranged matriarch of a corrupt post-apocalyptic dynasty that left the boy orphaned, deaf, and voiceless. Driven by his inner voice, one which he co-opted from his favorite childhood video game, Boy trains with a mysterious shaman (Ruhian) to become an instrument of death and is set loose on the eve of the annual culling of dissidents. Bedlam ensues as Boy commits bloody martial arts mayhem, inciting wrath of carnage and blood-letting. As he tries to get his bearings in this delirious realm, Boy soon falls in with a desperate resistance group, all the while bickering with the apparent ghost of his rebellious little sister.
Challengers
2 Hours, 11 Min.
Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and graphic nudity.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sports
Description:
From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor – The Crown) – his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend. As their pasts and presents collide, and tensions run high, Tashi must ask herself, what will it cost to win.
The Mummy: 25th Anniversary Re-Release
2 Hours, 5 Min.
Rated PG-13 for pervasive adventure violence and some partial nudity.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Description:
An English librarian called Evelyn Carnahan becomes interested in starting an archaeological dig at the ancient city of Hamunaptra. She gains the help of Rick O’Connell, after saving him from his death. What Evelyn, her brother Jonathan and Rick are unaware of is that another group of explorers are interested in the same dig. Unfortunately for everyone, this group ends up unleashing a curse which been laid on the dead High Priest Imhotep. Now ‘The Mummy’ is awake and it’s going to take a lot more than guns to send him back to where he came from.
Trivia:
While the film made extensive use of computer generated imagery, many scenes, including ones where Evelyn is covered with rats and locusts, were real, using live animals.
To avoid dehydration in the scorching heat of the Sahara, the production’s medical team created a drink that the cast and crew had to consume every two hours. Sandstorms were daily inconveniences. Snakes, spiders and scorpions were a major problem, with many crew members having to be airlifted out after being bitten.
Unsung Hero
1 Hour, 53 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Drama, Family
Description:
When David Smallbone’s successful music company collapses, he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future. With nothing more than their six children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (For King & Country‘sJoel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Based on a remarkable true story, Helen’s faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational Music history: five-time Grammy Award-winning artistsFor King & CountryandRebecca St. James.
Trivia:
In addition to co-writing and co-directing this film,Joel Smallbonealso stars in it portraying his real-life father, David Smallbone.
We Grown Now
1 Hour, 33 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Drama
Description:
Two young boys, best friends Malik and Eric, discover the joys and hardships of growing up in the sprawling Cabrini-Green public housing complex in 1992 Chicago.
Current Movies
Abigail
1 Hour, 49 Min.
Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use.
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Description:
After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.
Trivia: A loose remake ofDracula’s Daughter (1936).
Arthur the King
1 Hour, 47 Min.
Rated PG-13 for some strong language
Genre: Adventure
Description:
An adventure racer adopts a stray dog named Arthur to join him in an epic endurance race. Mark Wahlbergtore his knee on the first day of shooting and implemented the pain of his injury into his performance.
Civil War
1 Hour, 49 Min.
Rated R for strong violent content, bloody/disturbing images, and language throughout.
Genre: Action
Description:
A journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.
Dune: Part Two
2 Hours, 46 Min.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material and brief strong language.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi
Description:
Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
1 Hour, 49 Min.
Rated PG-13 for supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references.
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, SciFi
Description:
The Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.
Godzilla x King: The New Empire
1 Hour, 55 Min.
Rated PG-13 for creature violence and action.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Description:
The new installment in the Monsterverse puts the mighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal deadly threat hidden within our world that threatens the existence of their species and our very own, as well as diving deep into the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond. Delving straight into the origins of Hollow Earth, this film will explore the ancient Titan battle that brought man and monster together forever.
Hard Miles
1 Hour, 48 Min.
Rated PG-13 for strong language, thematic content, suggestive references and some teen drinking.
Genre: Drama, Sports
Description:
A strong-willed social worker at a youth prison assembles a cycling team of teenage convicts and takes them on a transformative 1000-mile ride. Inspired by the life of Greg Townsend and the Ridgeview Academy Cycling Team. This is the story of how these troubled young men found another gear.
Housekeeping for Beginners
1 Hour, 47 Min.
Rated R for sexual content, language throughout and some teen drinking.
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Description:
Portrait of an unconventional family: the film tells the story of a vibrant yet complex multiethnic LGBT community living together in Duda’s large apartment. After Duda loses her partner to cancer, she finds herself entrusted with the care of their two daughters, with support from a fake husband and his young lover. The relationships among them prove to be stronger than any racial, social, gender, or generational conflict.
Kung Fu Panda 4
1 Hour, 34 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy.
Description:
After Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior, while a wicked sorceress plans to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm.
Late Night with the Devil
1 Hour, 33 Min.
Rated R for violent content, some gore, and language including a sexual reference.
Genre: Horror
Description: A live television broadcast in 1977 goes horribly wrong, unleashing evil into the nation’s living rooms.
Trivia: Famed horror novelistStephen Kinghas praised the movie. He said: “I got a screener. It’s absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t take my eyes off it. Your results may vary, as they say, but I urge you to watch it when you can.”
Monkey Man
1 Hour, 53 Min.
Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, rape, language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug use.
Genre: Action, Thriller
Description:
Kid (Dev Patel), an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.
Trivia:
Dev Patel began training in Taekwando when he was 10 years old. He earned a 1st dan black belt in March 2006 at the age of 16.
Dev Patel suffered a number of injuries during the filming of the movie which included a broken hand, two broken toes, a torn shoulder, and an eye infection.
Sasquatch Sunset
1 Hour, 29 Min.
Rated R for some sexual content, full nudity and bloody images.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Description:
In the misty forests of North America, a family of Sasquatches-possibly the last of their enigmatic kind- embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year. These shaggy and noble giants fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them.
Shrek 2 – 20th Anniversary
1 Hour, 33 Min.
Rated PG
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Description:
Shrek (Mike Myers) has rescued Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), got married, and now is time to meet the parents. Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) set off to Far, Far Away to meet Fiona’s mother and father. But not everyone is happy. Shrek and King Harold (John Cleese) find it hard to get along, and there’s tension in the marriage. It’s not just the family who are unhappy. Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) returns from a failed attempt at rescuing Fiona, and works alongside his mother, the Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders), to try and find a way to get Shrek away from Fiona.
The First Omen
2 Hours
Rated R for violent content, grisly/disturbing images, and brief graphic nudity.
Genre: Horror
Description:
A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church, but encounters a darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
2 Hours
Rated R for strong violence throughout and some language.
Genre: Action, Drama, War
Description:
Billed as a true story about a secret British World War II organization; the Special Operations Executive. Founded by Winston Churchill, their irregular warfare against the Germans helped to change the course of the war, and gave birth to modern black operations. Based on the 2014 book “Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII” by Damien Lewis.
Trivia:
Henry Cavill plays the historical figure who inspired Ian Fleming’s James Bond. Cavill has long been a fan favorite to play Bond on screen.
Wicked Little Letters
1 Hour, 42 Min.
Rated R for language throughout/ sexual material.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, History, Mystery.
Description:
A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark, absurd scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger-than-fiction true story, “Wicked Little Letters” follows two neighbours: deeply-conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents start to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues. However, as the town’s women, led by Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan), begin to investigate the crime themselves, they suspect that something is amiss and Rose might not be the culprit after all.
Live Audio Described Performances
For May through August 2024
Please come to the exciting live theater productions with audio description (AD). Preshow description of sets and costumes begins 30 minutes prior to curtain. Arrive early to allow time to get headsets, programs and be seated.
The following audio described performances will be at the designated theatres listed below. Enjoy these accessible theater opportunities!
American Repertory Theater (ART)
Location: Loeb Drama Center
64 Brattle Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
To purchase accessibility tickets for these performances or for access questions, contact access@amrep.org or 617-547-8300.
Gatsby
Audio Described: Thursday, June 27, 2024, 7:30 PM, & Saturday, June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM
- Scott Fitzgerald’s legendary novelThe Great Gatsby comes to new life in this world-premiere musical with a score by international rock star Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Oscar and Grammy Award nominee Thomas Bartlett (Doveman), and a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok (Cost of Living). Gatsbyis staged by Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown; Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812;Moby Dick) with choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh (Moulin Rouge!).
Broadway in Boston (BIB)
Citizens Bank Opera House
539 Washington Street, Boston, MA
For tickets contact Rachel Jensen, Audience Services Manager for the Opera House at 617-259-3448 or email rjensen@citizensbankoperahouse.com.
Clue
Audio Described: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes, no intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the cult 1985 Paramount movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game,Clueis the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
Location: Emerson Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston St., Boston
Come From Away
Audio Described: Sunday, June 2, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 1 hour, 30 minutes, no intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
The true story of the small town that welcomed the world. Come From Away takes you right into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and directed by this year’s Tony Award-winning director, Christopher Ashley. On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.
MJ
Audio Described: Sunday, June 23, 2024, 1:00 PM, & Saturday, July 7, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 2 hours, 30 minutes, with one intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to you as MJ, the multi Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.
Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind that launched Michael Jackson into legendary stardom.
Les Miserables
Audio Described: Sunday, August 18, 2024, 1:00 PM
Length: 2 hours, 55 minutes, with one intermission
Describer: Laura Pailler
Les Misérables is set against the backdrop of 19th century France, it tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. The magnificent score, includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More”, “Master of the House”, and many more.
Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare on the Common
Boston Common, 115 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
(show and dates TBA – generally weekends in late July & early August)
Gazebo Players
Two Gentlemen of Verona, 2024
Audio Described: July 21, 27, and August 4, 2024, 5:00 PM
This romantic comedy will be set in the 1950’s Doo Wop era, but retains Shakespeare’s original language. July performances will take place at the Bellforge Arts Center on the former Medfield State Hospital property, 45 Hospital Road, Medfield, MA.
The rain location will be announced. The August performances will be at Bird Park in Walpole. The rain location is the Walpole Footlighters, 2 Scout Road, Walpole, MA. All performances are outdoors and free to the public. For more information, Contact Cynthia Small at: 508-317-1764, cynthia.smalltalk@gmail.com.
Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts
2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA
For tickets call the box office at 877-571-7469 or email info@thehanovertheater.com
To Kill a Mockingbird
Audio Described: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 1:00 PM
Describer: Jill Cofsky and Kathy Troy
All rise for Academy Award-winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning masterwork.
The New York Times’ Critic’s pick To Kill a Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history, it has not played to a single empty seat.”
The Huntington Theatre Company
264 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115
The Huntington’s newly renovated theatre on Huntington Avenue is the place to be for great accessible theater this season. Some shows will run at the Huntington Theatre, and others will be at the Huntington’s Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. Please note the location of each production. For more information on The Huntington’s access programs and to reserve tickets, please emailaccess@huntingtontheatre.orgor call 617-266-2800. Tickets are $20 for each blind/low vision patron and a guest. Season Ticket Packages can be booked in advance. Keep the same seats for every performance, and renew into the same seats next season! Attend All Access Performances. Don’t want to see all the shows? Pick and choose which ones you want for the same $20 price. Please note that the start times vary for each production!
Toni Stone
Audio Described: Saturday, June 15, 2024, 2:30 PM
Written and Directed by Lydia R. Diamond
Toni Stone is an ace ballplayer who knows her stats, plus she’s got a great arm. Rejected by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League because of her race, she becomes the first woman to play professional baseball on a man’s team in the Negro Leagues, shattering expectations and creating her own set of rules. Filled with humor and the love of the game, Huntington favorite Lydia R. Diamond knocks it out of the park with this beautiful, rich portrait of a trailblazing woman. Play ball!
Location: The Huntington Theatre, 264 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA
Moonbox Productions (MBX)
Tickets: The standard ticket price is $65, but Moonbox now also offers an option to Pay-What-You-Wish (as little, or as much as you choose).
To order tickets for access performances, email: Kara Crumrine, Director of Community & Accessibility Initiatives at KACrumrine@gmail.com.
Mermaid Hour
Audio Described: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 2:00 PM
For Pilar and Bird, parenting a trans tween is all about guessing how to get it right when they’re not even sure what that is! Vi is busy navigating her first crush, obsessing over her favorite YouTube vlogger, and about to make herself an internet sensation. Fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt, The Mermaid Hour finds all three confronting the gaps between who they are and who they wish to be.
Location: Arrow Street Arts, 2 Arrow St, Cambridge, MA 02138
SpeakEasy Stage Company (SPZ)
All performances of SpeakEasy Stage Company productions will take place in the Roberts Theatre at the Calderwood Pavilion, Boston Center for the Arts, 527 Tremont St., Boston MA
Tickets for patrons utilizing the Audio Description service (and their guests), are $25, with the code SPKAUDIO. Call the BCA box office at 617-933-8600, or email Alex Lonati at alexlonati@speakeasystage.com.
A Strange Loop
Audio Described: Sunday, May 5, 2024, 3:00 PM, & Friday, May 17, 2024, 8:00 PM,
Describers: Dave Heard and Eddie Maisonet
Winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and 2022 Tony Award for Best Musical!Michael R. Jackson’s blisteringly funny masterwork exposes the heart and soul of a young artist grappling with desires, identity, and instincts he both loves and loathes. Meet Usher: a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer. Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head in an attempt to capture and understand his own strange loop.
Wheelock Family Theatre (WFT) at Boston University
180 The Riverway, Boston, MA
For tickets, call 617-353-3001 or visit WFT’s website at www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org. All performances will be Open Captioned. To learn more about accessibility at Wheelock Family Theatre, contact Audience Services Manager, Jamie Aznive at
(617) 353-1451 or at Jaznive@bu.edu.
A Wrinkle in Time
Audio Described: Saturday, May 4, 2024, 6:00 PM, Thursday, May 9, 2024, 10:30 AM (student matinee), &
Saturday, May 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
Length: 80 minutes, no intermission.
One dark and stormy night, the eccentric Mrs. Whatsit arrives at the home of Meg Murry, a young teen who doesn’t fit in at her New England high school. Meg’s scientist Father vanished over two years ago, under mysterious circumstances. Aided by Mrs. Whatsit and her friends, Meg, her gifted brother Charles Wallace, and her friend Calvin are transported through time and space on a mission to rescue their father from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet