Theatre By The Sea Postpones 2020 Season Due To Coronavirus

CHARLESTOWN, RI — Theatre By The Sea's management has made the "difficult decision" to postpone the 2020 season due to the coronavirus. This year's schedule will be performed next year if the rights can be secured, owner Bill Hanney announced in a statement.

"Rhode Island’s stay-at-home order has made it necessary for all of our employees to work remotely and although some tasks can easily be accomplished from home, others cannot. Live theatre is the ultimate 'team sport,'" the statement read in part. "So, although all of our productions have been cast, our sets and costumes have been created, and we are 'ready to go,' it is unclear when the stay-at-home order will be lifted and organizations relying on large numbers of people will be allowed to reopen."

Management is working with the musicals' publishing houses to secure the rights to perform the same four musicals: Million Dollar Quartet, Funny Girl, Footloose and Kinky Botts, as well as the encore of Mamma Mia! next year.

"Although we are heartbroken that we will not be seeing you this summer at Theatre By The Sea, the health and safety of our audiences, performers, musicians, crew members, and staff is of the utmost importance," the statement continued.

This is not the first hardship the theatre has weathered, Hanney said. It was formed during the Great Depression as a way to create work and offer an escape for the public. In the years since, the theatre has survived the Great Hurricane of 1938, a four-year closure during World War II, the sale of the property in 1958, plans for demolition in 1966 and another four-year closure in 2003.

"With your continued support, Theatre By The Sea will, as always, continue on!" Hanney said.

Patrons can held the theatre by buying gift cards, holding onto purchased tickets or buying a subscription or tickets for next year. Email boxoffice.tbts@gmail.com with questions.