Local theater companies face cancellations and financial challenges as COVID cases surge
As the holiday season approaches, public health officials are witnessing a surge in COVID, flu, and RSV cases. This resurgence is once again wreaking havoc on local performing arts organizations, forcing them to cancel stage performances due to illness within their casts. The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) Theatre Company, Curious Theatre, and OpenStage of Fort Collins are among the organizations affected by this recent wave.
DCPA Theatre Company’s “Clyde’s” Cancellations
The DCPA Theatre Company had to cancel two performances of its hit play “Clyde’s” due to illness. The play, which tells the story of three formerly incarcerated individuals working in a sandwich shop, was nearly sold out for the remainder of its run. As a gesture of goodwill, the Denver Center refunded ticket prices and covered parking expenses for affected audience members. Unfortunately, there was not enough available ticket inventory to accommodate the affected patrons in other performances.
OpenStage Theatre’s “The Book of Will” Cancellation
OpenStage Theatre, located in Fort Collins, also faced a cancellation of its Friday night performance of “The Book of Will” due to illness within the cast. The play, which imagines the preservation of Shakespeare’s canon after his death, is offering discounted tickets for its remaining Friday performances to those affected by the cancellation. The theater company has shown agility in accommodating the shifting schedules of ticket-buyers.
Curious Theatre’s “Letters of Suresh” Cancellations
Curious Theatre, located in the Golden Triangle, had to cancel all four performances of “Letters of Suresh” last week for the health and safety of patrons, cast, and crew. However, the theater’s box office team successfully minimized the impact of the cancellations by moving ticket-buyers to other performances and issuing only a few refunds. To counter any potential revenue loss, Curious Theatre has launched a “Holiday Flash Weekend” promotion, offering a 50% discount on tickets for this weekend’s performances.
Financial Challenges for Performing Arts Organizations
The cancellations and disruptions caused by the recent surge in COVID cases pose significant financial challenges for performing arts organizations. Curious Theatre, like many other theater companies, is still feeling the aftereffects of the pandemic, both in terms of revenue and concerns for health and safety. The theater relies on audience support and recommendations to sustain its operations.
Mandy Moore’s National Spotlight
Colorado native Mandy Moore, a four-time Emmy Award-winning choreographer, was recently in the national spotlight for her work on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Moore, who also worked as a choreographer on “Dancing With the Stars,” returned as a guest judge for an episode themed “A Celebration of Taylor Swift.” Her sister, Missy Moore, the Artistic Director of Thunder River Theatre Company, and her father, local actor Bob Moore, were present in the studio audience.
Conclusion: The resurgence of COVID cases has once again disrupted the operations of local performing arts organizations. Cancellations due to illness within casts have posed financial challenges for these organizations, which are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic. However, the agility and resilience demonstrated by these theater companies in accommodating affected patrons and finding innovative ways to attract audiences highlight their commitment to providing quality theater experiences. As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial for the community to support and recommend local theater companies to ensure their survival and continued contribution to the arts.
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