Chicago theatres suspend productions
due to Coronavirus and at guidance of Governor and Mayor

Although in New York, Broadway has gone dark because of COVID-19, in Chicago at this point individual theaters are making individual decisions.

According to Deb Clapp, Executive Director, League of Chicago Theatres, “The safety and health of our audiences, artists and theatre staff remains our highest priority. As the situation around COVID-19 evolves, we will continue to share with our member organizations precautions they can take as outlined by federal health authorities and state and local officials to ensure that theatres are ready to welcome patrons back after this temporary shut-down.”

At a press conference yesterday, Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker asked and strongly recommended that public gatherings of more than 250 people be suspended possibly until May 1. This would include all the Broadway in Chicago Theaters who have not officially responded to this but will be making an announcement later today. This also includes many other theaters in Chicago.

They also mandated that gatherings of more than 1000 be suspended for the same amount of time. The League is working to support members with venues fewer than 250 as they decide the best course of action for their individual venues.

Clapp elaborates, “COVID-19 will have a significant financial impact on our industry in the near and long-term. We want to thank our philanthropic partners, as well as our city and state officials, for their continued support as we all navigate the aftermath of this situation.”

In a statement from the Goodman Theatre they said,  “In an effort to help mitigate community spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), Goodman Theatre is suspending performances starting tomorrow (Friday, March 13) until further notice. This action is consistent with the directive of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The suspension affects the current production of School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play by Jocelyn Bioh, directed by Lili-Anne Brown, a Chicago premiere that is currently in previews and was slated to open Monday, March 16—as well as all production-related events. Molly Sweeney by Brian Friel, directed by Robert Falls, has been postponed to an April 20 opening.”

Broadway in Chicago has suspended Hit Her With the Skates saying  “in accordance with the Chicago Theater League advisement for the health and safety of everyone, is suspending performances effective immediately. The world premiere of the Chicago production at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 North Halsted St., Chicago, IL, will now be held on Thursday, April 23, 2020. Preview performances will resume on Tuesday, April 21. Previously purchased tickets may be refunded or exchanged.

City Lit will stay open saying “City Lit is making every effort to combat the spread of COVID-19 so that our patrons can safely attend our theater.  Currently, under guidance from Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot given on March 12, 2020, our shows will be going on as planned.  Our theater seats 99 in its audience and the suggested size to cancel social gatherings is more than 250. “

Patrons with tickets for performances during this time are encouraged to contact individual theatres directly for more information.

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