By Lynn Venhaus

As concerns for public health grows as the Coronavirus spreads in the U.S., many arts and entertainment events have been cancelled in the metropolitan St. Louis area. Some will be rescheduled. While others, in smaller venues, continue.

St. Louis City banned events with crowds bigger than 1,000 Thursday and St. Louis County announced Friday it is preventing crowds bigger than 250, effective immediately, until further notice.

Slowing the spread of COVID-19 is the utmost importance in making these decisions. Governors of Missouri and Illinois have declared states of emergency, as had the U.S. President on Friday.

Nationally, Broadway went dark and its 31 theatres announced they would be closed through Easter, which is April 12.

Dramatists Play Service, which holds the rights to many shows, has announced refunds to companies who have to cancel and also information regarding possibly live-streaming shows. For further information, visit https://www.dramatists.com/text/covid19cancellationpolicy.asp

Here is a list of what’s the latest news from local companies and venues, with the most up-to-date information as possible. It is best to check with a group before heading out as news can change fast.

Most companies released statements about how they have stepped up cleaning efforts and encouraging those feeling sick to stay home. They have also offered refund information. Check their social media and websites for current information.

On Thursday, the Fox Theatre announced postponement of all performances and tours through March 31.

“The Bachelor Live on Stage, scheduled for Friday, March 13 and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory scheduled for March 17-29 will both be postponed.   Plans to reschedule are currently underway. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets – they will be honored on the new dates,” statement said.

Decisions about other future shows will be made as they follow the evolving situation with the COVID-19 Virus and the City of St. Louis’ determination of the length of this prohibition, a spokesman said.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, on the campus of Webster University, is opening “The Cake” in the Studio Theatre March 13, and Friday evening announced that they would suspend all performances beginning Monday, March 16. They are postponing the opening of “Dreaming Zenzile,” set to open March 20, with hopes of rescheduling this summer.

This is a reversal of their announcement Wednesday that all their performances would continue. Here is the new statement:

“Following the declaration of a state of emergency in St. Louis County surrounding the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis must place the safety of its patrons, staff and artists above all other considerations.

Based on the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization’s recommendations against large group gatherings, The Rep has decided to cancel all performances and events beginning Monday, March 16 through the end of the season. We plan to postpone our Mainstage world premiere of Dreaming Zenzile, with the goal of mounting it this summer.

“We do not take this decision lightly, knowing that the communal connections made at public arts events are some of the strongest tools against the fears and anxieties of this moment. As we ride out this turbulent time together, we remain resolutely committed to the power of storytelling to change lives and uplift our shared humanity. Thank you for your understanding and for being a part of our Rep family. We look forward to welcoming you home again this summer.

We will be reaching out to ticketholders shortly via email, phone and/or text with more details regarding ticket options. For additional updates, stay tuned to repstl.org and our Facebook and Twitter feeds,” the statement said.

The Playhouse at Westport continues “Flanagan’s Wake” performances as planned. However, the company that owns the venue released a statement explaining their efforts.

“Our efforts in cleaning the venue have been stepped up and we will be disinfecting each seat, handrail and surface within the theatre prior to opening doors for each performance. Our bartenders will be wearing gloves, which will be changed frequently through the evening.

“In addition, Cushman & Wakefield, the property management for Westport Plaza has increased their efforts to assist in providing a safe environment for those that visit the Plaza. All public surfaces, from elevator buttons to escalator rails, to door handles and bathrooms are all being heavily sanitized multiple times throughout each day.

We, along with, many of you, are closely following and monitoring all reports issued from the CDC as well as our local and state governmental agencies and will adjust any and all protocol accordingly. At this time, all shows are playing as scheduled,” explained Sue Silverstein, vice president / general manager, Playhouse @ Westport Plaza

The Moolah Shrine have announced plans to reschedule the annual circus March 19-22 at Family Arena. Here is their statement:

For more than 78 years, the Moolah® Shriners have provided family entertainment to St Charles and St Louis region. As always, our focus has been the safety and well-being of families. After consulting with government health professionals and the Family Arena, We have decided to take strong but necessary actions to protect the health and well-being of all who plan on attending our circus.

As Shriners, we are about compassion and love; we help heal the sick, care for those in need. Our plans, for now, are to reschedule our 78th Moolah Shrine Circus for later this year. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you all later this year.

For further information, please refer to Moolah.org on Monday, March 16,” they noted.

William Roth, founder and artistic director of St. Louis Actors’ Studio, said they would offer their black box theater, The Gaslight Theatre, to performers in need of space during this pandemic.

“Many performers and band members have lost their incomes. The 100- seat Gaslight Theatre, based on availability, is offering itself up to bands whose gigs have been canceled. This offer is, of course, based on availability and the daily health regulations posted by the CDC and the local governments. As long as it’s legal we are an available venue,” Roth said. He can be reached by email at william@stlas.org

THE SHOW MUST GO ON
“Clybourne Park” at Alpha Players at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
The audience is limited to 200.

Note: “We are constantly disinfecting common surfaces as much as we can. We ask that high risk individuals (as defined by the CDC) or those that are exhibiting symptoms to refrain from entering the premises.”

“It’s Only a Play” at Looking Glass Playhouse in Lebanon, Ill. this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Note: “As of 12 March 2020 we have no intention to cancel any performances for It’s Only a Play. If we do, every effort will be made to give a minimum notice of 24 hours.”

Also, cleaning efforts stepped up and ticket refunds available.

“Flanagan’s Wake” at The Playhouse at Westport continue performances as planned, extended through April 11, with a special St. Patrick’s Day performance Tuesday.

Note: “Please be aware of your own health. If you are sick, or even questioning you are sick, please stay home. We will be happy to exchange your tickets for another performance. The top priority at the Playhouse @ Westport is the safety and the well-being of our guests, casts and employees.”

“Love Sex and the IRS” at Theatre Guild of Webster Groves this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at their theatre, Newport and Summit.

“On Golden Pond” at Kirkwood Theatre Guild this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Robert G. Reim Theatre, 111 S. Geyer Road.

“The Philadelphia Story” at Clayton Community Center cancelled their opening night, March 12, but continue performances March 13 and 14 and at 2 p.m. March 15 in the Washington University South Campus Theatre.

“Return to Forbidden Planet” at KTK Productions in the St. John the Baptist gymnasium, 4200 Delor, this weekend and next (Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.)

“Head Over Heels” at New Line Productions at The Marcelle Theatre this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., sold out, and continuing Thursday through Saturday until March 28.

Note: “We hope to run as scheduled through March 28, but we’ll continue to monitor the news and re-assess as the situation evolves. If anyone has purchased tickets but is not feeling well, please stay home, rest up, and contact MetroTix for a refund. The usual “no refund” rule will not apply.”

POSTPONED
“The Bachelor Live on Stage” tour at The Fox Theatre March 13. Plans to be rescheduled.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” tour at The Fox Theatre March 17 – 29. To be rescheduled.

10^th Annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition April 4 at The Fox Theatre. To be rescheduled.

CANCELLED
The Black Rep “Spell #7” at the A.E. Hotchner Studio Theatre. They had extended the run through this weekend, but cancelled it in light of the COVID-19 developments.

The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University
All events and performances (internal, hosted or rented) scheduled through June 1.
This includes:
Shakespeare Festival St. Louis “Cymbeline” (March 16), Young People’s Concert (March 19), TAO DRUM (March 24), The ReMINDers (April 6), and speaker, Ishmael Beah (April 15).

Patrons are offered the possibility of applying their tickets to a future event at the Hett, donating the ticket value to the University or contacting them for a full refund, less any original mailing fees.

Please contact the box office, during operating hours, to discuss your ticket disposition. The box office is open Monday – Friday from noon to 4 p.m.

College Performances Cancelled

“Cabaret” at Lindenwood University – St. Charles. Representatives will contact ticket holders on refunds.

“A Doll’s House” at Missouri Baptist University. Will transition to streaming. More information to follow.