Much like everyone the Neptune Theatre had their planned 2020-2021 season pulled out from under them for reasons too obvious to mention. Just prior to the March 13th call to shutter businesses nationwide, the production team had started rehearsals for their season-closing musical, Tony Award-winning musical, Billy Elliot. Today, Neptune Theatre announced that the production will be re-opening in the Summer of 2021.
This season, the Neptune Theatre has already postponed its production of The Rocky Horror Show, and The Argyle Street Kitchen Party. On top of the health risks associated with social gatherings, the Theatre must also consider the financial viability of any production.
“There were many factors considered in making this difficult decision,” said Neptune Theatre general manager Lisa Bugden. “To be viable, we need to be confident that we can safely present live productions this season safely without the risk of interruption. Neptune Theatre relies heavily on ticket sales and must consider the limitations of physical distancing and the uncertainty of whether audiences will gather in 2020-2021.”
The theatre had originally slated their production of Billy Elliot to run from April 14 – June 7, 2020. No solid dates have been confirmed for the Summer 2021 production, but Neptune Theatre says they will be honouring the tickets purchased for 2020.
“Everyone at Neptune and the cast are determined to see Billy Elliott come to the stage,” said Neptune Theatre 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.”
As has been the trend among many COVID-stayed businesses, the Neptune Theatre staff have been pivoting to develop on-demand digital content that is set to launch this fall.
“These have been challenging times for our artists and staff as they navigate this incredibly devastating industry and worldwide shutdown. Through it all our patrons have been incredibly supportive,” said 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.”
Tickets for postponed shows will be honoured and patrons can convert the value of their tickets into gift certificates or donations. Patrons can contact the Box Office at boxoffice@neptunetheatre.com for more information.