Coronavirus casualty: Idaho Shakespeare Festival officially cancels all of 2020 season
The Idaho Shakespeare Festival was down to one possible production because of previous coronavirus cancellations. Now that is being called off as well, as the popular theater group has officially canceled its 2020 season entirely.
In an email to customers and an update to its website, ISF said “compliance with local, state and federal guidelines and with great consideration of safety related to the COVID-19 outbreak” led to the decision to put an end to the possible production of “Sleuth.”
In May, Producing Artistic Director Charlie Fee said the season’s first two plays — Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” originally slated to open in May, and Richard Maltby Jr.’s and Murray Horwitz’s musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” set for June — were being canceled. In mid-June, he broke the news that “Henry V” and a musical “Emma,” based on the Jane Austen novel, both were lost for this season as well.
The hope had been that “Sleuth,” with a small cast and short rehearsal period, could go forward in September, if the state emerged from COVID-19. But cases of the virus have been surging again, leading to nearly all summer events being shuttered.
“There is comfort in knowing the Festival is not alone, and that specific support is coming from many quarters, including audience members, volunteers and leaders in the community,” the email from ISF on Thursday stated. “Latest efforts include a working collaboration of health and safety professionals, who will continue to guide us in the weeks and months ahead.”
Those who have purchased tickets can opt for a reimbursement or a tax-deductible donation, according to the festival’s statement.
