“There were simply too many obstacles to overcome.” – Kwofe Coleman, managing director of The Muny
For the first time in 102 years, there will be no lights, camera, nor action on The Muny stage this summer.
The current COVID-19 global pandemic has forced the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater to go dark for its 2020 season, and move this year’s lineup to 2021.
“We’ve been through wars, depressions, recessions … we’ve had an on-site season every year,” said managing director Kwofe Coleman. “But this year, it just didn’t make sense. You just can’t present musical theater in a socially distant setting.”
Coleman said there were just too many unknowns with the ongoing pandemic.
“When you look at all the realities of the (COVID-19) guidelines that are in place for the performers on stage, for the industry and trades and professions that support musical theater, and, of course, for the safety of the community, when you put all those pieces together, there were simply too many obstacles to overcome,” he said.
The Muny staff was notified of the decision via video conference call last Wednesday, following weeks of discussion by the organization’s leadership staff and executive committee.
“Most of the staff had an idea, but it was still sad—sadder than anticipated,” Coleman told Gazelle. “We’ve been apart since mid-March, and we were hoping for some sense of normalcy, some improvement. It was a hard thing to share … some people turned their cameras off, there were a lot of tears, quiet … at the same time, we all understood and agreed this was the reality.”
The Muny has 35 full-time, year-round staff members, who will continue to work from home until further notice.
“During the season, our staff grows to more than 800,” Coleman explained. “With no season, those folks won’t be back this year. It’s another example of the economic impact of this pandemic on the individuals—whether it’s a theater like us or a sports venue, there are a lot of people we know who are affected.”
In place of the regular season, The Muny will offer a slate of virtual alternative programming, including digital broadcasts of Muny Magic, its annual off-season musical revue at The Sheldon, beginning June 15, the originally scheduled opening date for the 2020 season.
“We’re not physically on site, but we’re not saying goodbye to the summer,” Coleman said, noting that, in addition to providing digital tours and other behind-the scenes access online, The Muny plans to produce a variety show-style series featuring clips from previous shows, and Muny friends and family from around the world.
The Muny had previously announced plans for an abbreviated season to begin in late July, featuring five of the seven productions intended for this year. Instead, the original lineup of seven shows for the 2020 season, which included Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins,” “Sweeney Todd” and “The Sound of Music,” will move to next year.
Current season ticket holders will be contacted personally with more information regarding their options and next steps. Walk-service to The Muny remains closed; however, box office staff can be reached via email at boxoffice@muny.org.
For more information, visit muny.org.
