Manatee Players suspends show schedule because of COVID-19. Theater did have some good news
The Manatee Performing Arts Center has suspended all performances, classes and events, effective immediately, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the theater company said Monday.
Last week, a message on the theater’s website informed patrons that shows would go on with increased safety measures and limited seating of 250 people or less. But then the Centers for Disease Control updated its guidance on the coronavirus to discourage against gatherings of 50 people or more.
“As CDC and Manatee County Health Department recommendations are ever changing, please be patient with our staff,” the theater said in a news release. “You may find at times that a phone receptionist is unavailable during our ‘regular’ box office hours. Our organization lives by the life blood generosity of volunteers and donors. Our dedicated staff is working tirelessly to keep you informed and be prepared when the Curtain Rises Again.”
The theater already had canceled a production of “Doubt, A Parable” that was scheduled to run from March 19 to April 5.
There was a bright spot in the midst of the bad news, however. in In order to give theater fans something to look forward to beyond the coronavirus, MPAC artistic director Rick Kirby announced the venue’s 2020-2021 season early, via YouTube.
“We’ve kept you waiting for an announcement for our next season, but we decided that we’re going to do it virtually just to include as many of you as possible,” Kirby said.
The future season will include classics like “Pippin” and “Mamma Mia!” as well as some fresh contributions to theater. Among the newer works is “War Paint,” a 2016 musical that centers around the rivalry between cosmetic industry pioneers Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden; and “Collateral Bodies,” a 2012 work that offers a dramatic look at human rights violations against women around the world. The play was selected as part of the theater’s “Action through Acting” program that highlights an issue of concern to community non-profits.
The full season release is below.
The Manatee Players Inc. 2020-2021 Season:
▪ Pippin: August 6 - 23
▪ Collateral Bodies: August 27 - September 13
▪ Go Ask Alice: October 1 - October 18
▪ Mamma Mia!: October 22 - November 8
▪ Danny King of the Basement: November 5 - 22
▪ Cinderella: December 3 - 20
▪ Hot Air: January 7 - 24
▪ War Paint: January 14 - 31
▪ I DO! I DO!: February 18 - March 7
▪ Pets!: February 25 - March 14
▪ Chaplin: March 25 - April 11
▪ Fun Home: April 8 - April 25
▪ Will Rogers Follies: April 29 - May 16
Theatergoers can keep up with the latest from the theater regarding the coronavirus and other news via the Manatee Performing Arts Facebook page or by subscribing to emails at manateeperformingartscenter.com.
This story was originally published March 16, 2020 at 1:05 PM with the headline "Manatee Players suspends show schedule because of COVID-19. Theater did have some good news."