Father and Son Share Spotlight in Production

Cast from "Annie:" From left,
Lisa Lapinski, Rick Woods,
Megan Kaye, Alison Walters
Short and Lee Woods
at the Open Door Theater.

LUNENBURG, Mass. —  Fifteen years ago, 7-year-old Lee Woods and his mother and father went to see Disney on Ice's “Pocahantas.” He enjoyed the ice skating and the music until there were several loud explosions during the performance.
“He was out the door, and it took a lot of convincing to get him back in. It was not an autism-friendly performance,” said Lee's father, Rick Woods. “We had to be more selective and make sure there were no flashing lights or jarring things in any performances that we brought our son to.”
Years later, Mr. Woods saw a performance of “Big” at the Open Door Theater in Acton, a nonprofit community company that has been creating learning experiences for adults and children with special needs. He immediately knew that it would be the right fit for him and his son.