Victoria Playhouse Petrolia (VPP) is postponing its 2020 season until 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the line-up of productions breaking preseason sales records, Co-Artistic Directors David Hogan and David Rogers chose to move the entire season to dates next year in order to "celebrate the season when everyone feels comfortable and extremely safe."
Hogan said they were trying to hold off making the decision, thinking a half-season might still be feasible.
"Listening to what's going on in our government, they're saying that we are stage three [for reopening], the large gatherings of 400 people and that's not even in sight, so we decided to move the 2020 season to 2021," said Hogan. "We think of how sad we are, our patrons; I've been getting a smudge of great emails and phone calls because they're just such great people and this is what they do, they come to the Victoria Playhouse for entertainment, and they're a part of our family."
Director of Marketing, Arts & Communications for the Town of Petrolia Laurissa Ellsworth said producing world-class entertainment and caring for patrons has always been the organization's focus.
"Every decision that we make is keeping our patrons' best interests and in this case, health and safety, in mind," said Ellsworth. "Our team looks forward to bringing incredible theatre back in 2021 when we can celebrate safely and gather as friends again.”
Town CAO Rick Charlebois said they understand the local economic impact of moving the season but agreed the difficult decision was necessary.
The 2021 Season will now consist of 'The Roaring Twenties', 'On Golden Pond', 'Dynamic Duos', 'Divine Women - The Power of Song 2', 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling' and 'Wingfield Lost & Found'.
The 2020 Christmas performances - Starbright Christmas and The VPP Christmas Jamboree, remain on sale. The VPP said a decision about those productions will be made at a later date following guidelines set out by Health Canada.
Later this summer when the 2021 calendar is available, VPP Box Office staff will be reaching out to confirm reservations or issue refunds if necessary. Patrons are asked to hold onto their tickets because they will be honoured next year.
-With files from Colin Gowdy
