Summer theaters making adjustments for coronavirus restrictions
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“The show must go on” — the phrase is said to have originated with 19th-century circuses, where audiences were to be kept calm and entertained at any cost, even if a performer was injured or a wild animal escaped.
The saying was adopted by theater groups, who likewise would improvise as needed to overcome minor or major glitches.
But now there is coronavirus to be considered, and the show isn’t necessarily going to go on.
Area summer theater groups are among organizations nationwide having to reassess, reschedule or even cancel upcoming productions.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre at Saint Vincent College on March 18 announced the cancellation of its three 2020 productions, due to restrictions on travel and recommended limits on crowd size.
The season would have opened May 21 with the musical “The Marvelous Wonderettes.”
“This is certainly a difficult and unfortunate decision as Saint Vincent Summer Theatre has been a staple for 51 years in the community and throughout the region,” said Greggory Brandt, Saint Vincent Summer Theatre producing artistic director. “We were really excited about the great lineup we had this summer. However, the health and safety of our patrons, actors, production team and friends will always be our number-one priority. We are already looking forward to making next year’s season even more memorable.”
Patrons who have already purchased tickets for any of the three productions may request a refund or obtain additional information by calling 724-805-2177.
Here is information for some other area theaters:
Apple Hill Playhouse, Delmont
“As of now our auditions have been postponed until April 11. As far as our season is concerned, we have not reached a decision as to what will happen,” says artistic director Tina Lepidi Stewart. “We are hoping to do complete season, but at this time we have no indication of what the outcome will be. Our board will be meeting in the near future to decide the outcome.”
The first production on the Apple Hill slate is “Clue: On Stage,” scheduled to open May 14.
Details: 724-468-5050 or applehillplayhouse.org
Freeport Theatre Festival, Leechburg
The organization has a little more breathing room than some others, because the first production isn’t scheduled to open until July 10, says Marushka Steele, co-founder and artistic co-director with her husband, Rennick Steele.
“We began casting in January and rehearsals would begin at the end of June,” she says.
The season opener will be the premiere of “The Grimsby Lads,” by Rennick Steele, who also wrote the August offering, “Baboon.” Mike Firek’s “President Arthur’s Inspiration” is due to open Sept. 11.
“I’m certain at least that the September show will go on,” Marushka Steele says.
Details: 724-295-1934 or Facebook
Little Lake Theatre, Canonsburg
The season-opening production of “Amadeus” has been canceled and will be rescheduled for 2021, according to a statement from the theater board and staff.
“We did not make this decision lightly: our artist, volunteers, and staff have been working very hard on this production, and we were very much looking forward to bringing it to you,” the statement says. “However, quickly changing circumstances and our sincere concern for keeping you safe led us to conclude that we simply could not put the show up as planned.”
“‘Amadeus’ was already cast, but the cast members are taking it all very well,” says managing director Patty Knapp. “We’re not planning on canceling anything else after that, based on CDC and state of Pennsylvania rules, but we’re really on a let’s-see basis.”
Ken Ludwig’s “Moon Over Buffalo is next in line, with a projected opening date of May 21.
The organization is contacting patrons who made reservations for “Amadeus.”
“Season subscribers will have their ‘Amadeus’ tickets put back on their accounts, and all subscriber tickets will be carried forward to any production of the Little Lake season,” according to the statement.
Details: 724-745-6300, info@littlelake.org or littlelake.org
Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown
“It’s such a frightening time with developments occurring hourly,” says executive director and producer Patty Carnevali, but no changes have yet been made to the summer schedule.
“At this time, the Mountain Playhouse is planning to produce its 2020 season – hoping that we may do so. We’re fortunate enough that the theater season doesn’t begin until June 16,” she says. “A lot can happen in the next three months. Other arts organizations have not been so fortunate.
“In the coming weeks, the staff and board will discuss contingency plans,” she says.
Carnevali says that the cast is set for June’s “Honky Tonk Angels,” a co-production with Gretna Theatre in Mt. Gretna, Lebanon County. Rehearsals and five performances are scheduled there before the show comes to Mountain Playhouse.
The playhouse is in the process of filling roles for the subsequent five productions, and the last three shows are mostly cast, Carnevali says.
Details: 814-629-9220 or mountainplayhouse.org