Citing COVID concerns, Maine State Music Theatre scraps most of season
Photo / Roger S. Duncan
Maine State Music Theater, whose 2019 production of "Hello, Dolly!" is shown here, is canceling all but one show this year at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center.
Citing changing requirements for COVID-19 safety, the Maine State Music Theatre is canceling all of its shows this season except for one, the performing arts organization announced Wednesday.
"As we all know, the last 18 months have been incredibly challenging, particularly for the entertainment industry and Maine State Music Theatre," said Artistic Director Curtis Dale Clark in a videotaped message posted online.
Despite being able to reopen this year and doing its best to keep its cast, crew, staff and audience safe, he added, "the nature of this ever-changing landscape means that we must also remain adaptable and flexible."
Current ticket sales and changing requirements related to the pandemic forced the organization to reconsider its season at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center, where it is canceling planned productions of "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Rocky Horror Show."
That leaves only the upcoming production of "Jersey Boys," the story behind the music of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, for its first MainStage production in 24 months.
"This group is talented, energetic and so excited to meet you back in the world of live theater at Westbrook Performing Arts Center," Clark said.
A spokeswoman told Mainebiz Thursday via email that 11 employees worked half-time last year from mid-summer through April, while one employee was laid off and not rehired. She added that the people hired for the 2021 summer season is about 160 in total.
With the recent news, she said the organization has offered to pay employees who stay their full salaries and continue to provide housing to those wanting to stay through Oct. 24, as per the original contract.
The spokeswoman also said the 2019 audience attendance was just over 55,000 for four MainStage shows, while around 5,500 people attended concerts. The numbers don't include performances for young audiences.
As for next year, Clark said that the plan is to bring Broadway back to Brunswick in full swing with a complete summer season at the Pickard Theater, adding that Maine State Music Theatre "will be back stronger than ever."
On a broader note, Clark said that while many theater companies nationwide have been forced to close their doors forever, community support means that his institution has been able to stay relevant, produce quality theater in the Brunswick area and invest in educational programs.
Evolving policies on Broadway
Meanwhile in the country's theater capital, 41 Broadway theaters in New York City will require vaccinations for audience members as well as for performers, backstage crew and staff for all performances through October 2021, according to a policy on the Broadway League's website.
Theaters will also require masks for audience members, except when eating or drinking in designated areas. For performances this November and beyond, theater owners anticipate a review of policies in September and may relax certain policies if science dictates, according to the League.
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