Mirvish to suspend performances, close all its theatres
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After Mirvish said it would continue its performances in Toronto as scheduled, the theatre company has decided to suspend its performances.
“For the first time in my family’s history in theatre, I have had to make the difficult decision to close our theatres,” said David Mirvish on Saturday.
Mirvish said that out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to help limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, “all Mirvish theatres will suspend performances, effective from the matinee today through Sunday, April 12.”
As for performances after that date, Mirvish said they would continue to monitor the situation as it evolves.
Shows affected by the closure include Hamilton, Come From Away, Summer, and Us/Them.
The Boy Friend, which was to play March 29 through May 5, will have its entire engagement cancelled, as the show was from London and it is not advisable to have a visiting company from abroad at this time, according to Mirvish.
“Our highest priority is the health and safety of our patrons, artists and staff. We will attempt to reschedule as many performances as possible when conditions become appropriate,” he said.
For ticket holders, Mirvish will give them options of recit for a show in 2020-2021 season, an exchange for an alternate show, or will receive a refund.
More information is available on Mirvish’s website.
The province’s chief medical officer announced the “immediate suspension” of all large gatherings with over 250 people on Thursday.
As part of the Ontario’s enhanced public health measures for COVID-19, Dr. David Williams said, “I am asking all Ontarians to immediately take a number of enhanced measures over the coming weeks to protect themselves from COVID-19 and to help mitigate its spread in Ontario.”
Dr. Williams encouraged organizers who have questions about smaller gathering to contact their local public health unit and for individuals to practice social distancing as much as possible to mitigate the spread of the illness.