In theatre lingo, there’s an old saying: “The show must go on.” Not anymore. Instead, theatres are going dark.
On Thursday, March 12, the Alberta government issued a series of health restrictions to reduce the local spread of COVID-19. The coronavirus has close to 140,000 confirmed cases in 115 countries world-wide.
The major restriction was the cancellation of any event expecting more than 250 attendees. Mindful of audiences, a cascade of venues temporarily closed or postponed events.
Below is a list of the latest postponements and closures:
• In response to the rapidly evolving health threat, St. Albert Mayor’s Celebration of the Arts Awards, scheduled to run on Thursday, March 19, has been regretfully postponed until November. Nominee names stand, and recipients will receive an award at the new event. Further updates to follow once decisions are made.
• Alberta Baroque Ensemble was preparing for a Sunday, March 22, concert at St. Albert United Church. It has been postponed for a future date to be announced. Tickets will be honoured for future performances. Contact [email protected] for more information.
• Edmonton Opera’s three performances of Candide, due to open Saturday, March 14, have been cancelled. No new dates have been announced. Ticketing information is available at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium box office or through ticketmaster.ca.
• The pixie dust for Alberta Ballet’s Peter Pan just disappeared. Scheduled to debut at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from March 27 to 29, it will not take place. The move was made to protect patrons, dancers and site staff. For refunds check albertaballet.com.
• The Citadel, one of the busiest venues in Edmonton, is calling off some shows and deferring others. As You Like It was immediately closed on Thursday. The Garneau Block and Peter Pan Goes Wrong have been postponed until further notice.
Audrey Ochoa and Friends, as part of the House Series, are taking a rain check and the 2020 Collider Festival is on a wait-and-see approach.
The final performances of Foote Theatre School and spring break camps are cancelled while Mercury Opera’s La Boheme concludes its final performance on Saturday, March 14.
Citadel ticketholders can contact the box office at 780-425-1820 to discuss options.
• Across the street, the Winspear Centre has cancelled all shows through to Tuesday, March 31. They include Equus (March 19), Music From All Around the World (March 21), Angela Cheng Plays Schumann (March 26) and Angela Cheng Plays Mozart (March 28).
Patrons can exchange tickets for another show with no additional fees or donate a ticket to ESO and receive a tax receipt. If patrons do not contact the Winspear box office an automatic refund is offered on the day of the concert. Updates are available at winspearcentre.com/covid19.
• Telus World of Science proactively suspended programs, events, IMAX Theatre and Zeidler Dome Shows, retail services as well as Science in Motion outreach programs. New updates are posted on the website at telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca.
