The Lights Are Still Bright
The show will go on for some Dallas-Fort Worth theater productions
EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is constantly updating as new information becomes available.
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Coronavirus is taking over, and practically everything is getting postponed or canceled here in Dallas-Fort Worth, as well as throughout the state, across the country, and around the world.
Except for one thing: local theater. Even though Broadway recently shut its doors for 4-6 weeks following the World Health Organization's pandemic announcement, DFW's much smaller theaters are still welcoming patrons — if they still want to attend, that is.
As of the afternoon of March 12, there had been only one announcement about canceled productions or performances in DFW. Amphibian Stage Productions in Fort Worth is canceling its March programming, which includes Steven Castillo's comedy residency (March 17-21), a National Theatre Live screening of Hansard (March 18 and 21), its Tad-Poles stilt classes (March 21 and 28), and Avery Moore's Sets on Sets (March 26 and 27).
Dallas Children's Theater is postponing the opening of The Last Stop on Market Street, which was supposed to run March 21-April 5, until further notice. Jubilee Theatre is also postponing the opening of How I Got Over, originally scheduled for March 20, until April 2.
All other theaters that CultureMap has reached out to have assured the public that they are implementing extensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols and are following official governmental guidelines. Hand sanitizer is plentiful, and available at all theaters.
Undermain Theatre, which has long served its beverages in reusable glasses, is switching to disposable cups for the time being.
That said, each theater's representative has stressed that if you are sick or suspect you might be, to please stay home. Patrons who wish to exchange their tickets for a later performance or upcoming shows in the season are welcome to do so at most theaters, and should contact each box office directly.
But here's an even better idea: Convert your tickets into a donation. The economic impact of COVID-19 is hitting everyone hard, but performing arts organizations (and the mostly freelance workers who populate them) are facing a very grim future.
This list will continue to be updated, but as of right now these performances are still going ahead as planned:
Come From Away, Dallas Summer Musicals, through March 22(Following the ban of gatherings of 500 people or more, Dallas Summer Musicals is postponing all remaining performances, scheduled to run through March 22, 2020. DSM advises patrons to hold onto their tickets, as they "work to bring Come From Away back to Dallas.")Playwrights in the Newsroom, Elevator Project at Wyly Theatre, through March 15(The closing performances have been canceled)American Mariachi, Dallas Theater Center, March 14-April 5(Performances are suspended until further notice, however DTC is developing a digital version of the American Mariachi performance "so we may remain connected with you.")- Madame Bovary, Undermain Theatre, through March 14 (the March 15 matinee is canceled)
The Children, Stage West, through April 12 (performances were canceled following March 15)Mlima's Tale, Second Thought Theatre, through March 14(Second Thought Theatre has canceled the remaining two performances)Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Broadway at the Bass, March 20-22(Bass Hall has canceled all events through March 31. Event ticket-holders will be contacted by the presenting organizations via email and social media. No action is required.)- Run For Your Wife, Theatre Off the Square, through March 22
- The Wiz, The Firehouse Theatre, March 19-April 5 (performances are being rescheduled to April 9-19)
- Cherry Muffins, Flexible Grey Theatre Company, through March 28
Summerland, Onstage in Bedford, March 13-29(will now close March 15)Funny, You Don't Act Like a Negro, Theatre Three, through March 15(Theatre Three has canceled the final weekend of performances)- A Critical Case of Murder!, Pegasus Theatre, through March 28
- Macbeth, Lakeside Community Theatre, through March 14
- All shows at Stomping Ground Comedy Theater
Cabaret, Grand Prairie Arts Council, March 20-29 (postponed indefinitely)- God of Carnage, Allen Community Theatre, March 20-April 5
Redeemer Mine, Lily & Joan, March 20-28 (canceled)Matilda: the Musical, Casa Mañana, March 20-April 5 (canceled)- I Thought You Hung the Moon, Luckenbooth Theatre, through March 15
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Want to make sure your show is included? Send info to lindseyw@culturemap.com.
