Season Opener Canceled

Coronavirus precautions preclude preparation and performance

Waiting until the very last minute, days before we were scheduled to begin auditions, The Summer Place Board of Directors has decided to cancel this summer's production of Cabaret. Our 3-act season celebrating hope over oppression during this 75th anniversary of the end of World War II is now down to 2 acts, and while our medical experts are heavily suggesting the Shelter-In-Place precautions will extend past the April 30 date that has been set by our government, we wait optimistically until we approach the audition dates for The Diary of Anne Frank, which starts May 1, to see if the 2020 summer season is further impacted. 

We'll be notifying our ticket holders via email (and phone for those who have called in their orders) of this new development. We have people who have purchased single tickets to a Cabaret performance as well as season tickets for the 3 shows. We'll be sharing refund, exchange and donation options with them, and ask our season ticket holders to hold tight for at least the next few weeks while we watch the news and contemplate our own options in performing something for you all this season.

So again, as we say in theatre, "Hold, please."

I don't mind telling you, canceling Cabaret was a sad decision. I was Producer for the show, and had brought together a very talented creative team lead by an old friend of Summer Place, Craig Gustafson. Craig directed me in My Three Angels last summer as well as numerous old-time radio show performances over the years. His meticulous planning and very supportive rehearsal process makes him one of the best Directors out there, and I really wanted to see what he'd deliver for us. 

Also, our own Emma Gingold always brings out the best in our singers as Vocal Director and was also going to assemble a great orchestra. And I'm really going to miss working with Jan Augustine our Choreographer. I've not worked with her, but she created the ballet scene in our recent Oklahoma!. She has a stellar resume and would have created one helluva Kit Kat Klub! 

We trust you all will stay safe and practice the prescribed precautions so this pandemic will pass and we can once again gather together to entertain you!