I learned from my sister that when it comes to books, films, articles and anything autism, it is best to enter with a cautious
eye and watch closely for dramatization, explotation, and the popular pity appeal. Autism: The Musical, is everything real, every positive, and everything appropriately alarming about a
group of kids who happen to be a part of a growing epidemic
in this country.
In this spell-binding documentary about Elaine Hall, teacher and founder of THE MIRACLE PROJECT and her exceptional students who prepare for the daunting task of producing a musical for the general public, the movie-going audience gets more than entertainment; they get the facts.
In 1980, one in ten thousand children were diagnosed with autism. In 2007, one in one hundred and fifty face the challanges of this nervous system disorder. Wake up. America, and smell the toxins!
Tricia Regan's film is not just for families who have been touched by autism. Everyone needs to see this film - and this is why.
If the numbers have sky-rocketed that much in thrity years, what will it be like in 30 more years? How will our society provide for hundreds of thousands of adults with austism? Are we prepared to give them the excellent educations they deserve? How will these growing numbers effect couples planning to have children? Facing these questions is one real good reason to see Autism: The Musical. But there are 5 other excellent reasons. Wyatt, Henry, Lexi, Neal, and Adam. You will leave the theatre loving these kids. You will leave with an great appreciation of their very clear, wonderful, full personalities. And you will connect with their
deep souls.
I am the proud aunt of two wonderful teenage boys. My sister,
a single mother, has been an absolute exceptional parent. My
nephews, both, happen to have autism. So, for 15 years now,
often when I mention them, someone will offer some advice because they feel they know a little something because they have a friend who has a child....who has a friend who has a child...and so on. If you feel you know a little something about autism, this film will prove you wrong. If you know you know nothing, take your open mind to the theatre and fill it with wisdom from these kids.
Autism is often described as a disorder that expresses itself
socially. Wyatt, the outspkoken philosopher of the cast, has several soliloquies about friendship. He says repeatedly he just wants a friend who will be nice to him. I can't help but ask who is more socially and emotionally intelligent. Wyatt, or the school bully who seems often on his mind. Even Neal, who is mostly non-verbal, tells his mother through a talking machine computer that he wants her to be a better listener. That is a profound request that we, as a society, need to hear. Every person with autism is speaking to us, and we do, indeed, need to listen.
So, Comfort Pie gives Autism: The Musical a full eight slices!
One big nourishing whole pie. This film will not leave you feeling
empty. - Irene Y. Young / Comfort Pie
Little Things To Get You
Through The Big Things
Film Review - AUTISM: THE MUSICAL
by Irene Y. Young
TV/FILM
DVDs That Inspire!
In 1998, 12 women embarked on an extraordinary expedition of Alaska’s Mt. McKinley, determined to not only attempt the summit but also to beat the odds of breast cancer. Their powerful story is a testament to the strength and courage of women in the face of life-threatening challenges. Gloriously filmed in the mountainous peaks of Alaska, narrated by Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis and featuring an extraordinary soundtrack, this is an adventure not to be missed.
This DVD also contains extensive breast cancer prevention resources, including the Breast Cancer Fund’s State of the Evidence: The Connection Between Breast Cancer and the Environment (2008). The DVD packaging consists of eco-friendly BIO DVD, 100% recycled plastic and 100% recycled cardboard and was printed with vegetable-based inks. A minimum of $.75 from the sale of this product will benefit the Breast Cancer Fund,
through Dec. 31, 2011.
Climb Against The Odds
Climb Against
The Odds DVD
Breast Cancer Fund:
The only organization
in the country who
focuses directly on
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PRAISES FOR THE WORLD Jennifer Berezan & Friends
Filmed live at the Scottish Rite Theater in Oakland, CA - March and November 2003
Includes over 60 performers including Jennifer Berezan, Alice Walker, Gloria Steinem, Eve Ensler, Patti Cathcart, Wilma Mankiller, Tulku Thubtun Rinpoche, Joanna Macy, Linda Tillery, Jami Sieber, Rhiannon, Dance Brigade,
Chris Webster, Vicki Noble, Luisah Teish, Nina Gerber, Drew Dellinger, Joey Blake, Rita Sahai, Erika Luckett,
Barbara Higbie, Terry Sendgraff's Aerial Dancers, Leilani Birely and more!!!
Experience these ecstatic and heart opening events that included an audience of 1500 people singing throughout! In devotion to the earth and all peoples.
"A spiritual response to
religious fundamentalism."
-- Gloria Steinem
