Halifax’s Neptune Theatre has announced its stages will remain dark through the summer of 2021.
“There were many factors considered in making this difficult decision,” says Neptune Theatre general manager Lisa Bugden in a media release. “To be viable, we need to be confident that we can safely present live productions this season safely without the risk of interruption.”
Relying heavily on ticket sales, Neptune considered the limitations of physical distancing and the uncertainty of whether audiences would attend a live theatre performance.
These have been challenging times for our artists and staff as they navigate this incredibly devastating industry and worldwide shutdown. – Jeremy Webb
Neptune plans to re-open sometime in summer 2021 with its production of Billy Elliot, the Tony Award-winning musical based on the 2000 film about a young boy in working-class England who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.
“Everyone at Neptune and the cast are determined to see Billy Elliott come to the stage,” says Neptune’s artistic director Jeremy Webb. “We are happy to let our patrons know this exciting news and thank them for their patience for keeping their tickets for the show.”
Originally slated to close the company’s 2019-2020 season in April this year, Billy Elliot joined a growing list of postponed shows as the realities of COVID-19 grew. It eventually led the company to delay its entire 2020-2021 season.
To help bridge the gap, Neptune Theatre staff have been developing digital content to help stay connected with and entertain its audiences during the hiatus. To be made available on-demand this fall, the yet-to-be-announced content will join the company’s artistic director, who continues to present his weekly live stream series Off The Leash on Facebook and YouTube.
“Through it all our patrons have been incredibly supportive,” says Webb. “We miss our audiences, artists, creative teams, and it’s important to us that we stay connected through this. We are very much looking forward to reconnecting and celebrating with everyone in summer 2021.”
Neptune will honour tickets for postponed shows. Patrons can also convert them to gift certificates or donate their value back to the theatre. Visit neptunetheatre.com for more information.