Spa Little Theatre, home of Opera Saratoga (credit: SPAC)
Opera Saratoga, citing the COVID-19 crisis, has canceled its 2020 season of stage productions at the Spa Little Theatre at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Festival concerts have also been canceled.
Originally scheduled to run from May 18 to July 5, the festival is no longer viable given shutdowns across the country and health concerns for all involved, said artistic and general director Lawrence Edelson in a statement.
“It has become impossible for us to continue building the sets and costumes for the opera productions that were to premiere at Opera Saratoga this summer. We also had artists scheduled to join us from around the globe in early May to begin rehearsals, and it is clear that this is not realistic or prudent under the circumstances,” he said. “The question is no longer how can we make this work – the question is how can we make sure everyone is safe. The answer, unfortunately, is to cancel the festival this summer. “
In addition to canceling its concerts and three slated productions -- of “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Sky on Swings” and “Madama Butterfly” -- the company will postpone its annual gala, originally scheduled for June 7.
Like other, recently canceled performing-arts festivals that rely heavily on ticket sales for revenue, including Williamstown Theatre Festival and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Opera Saratoga is accompanying news of its shuttered season with an appeal for donations. According to the news release, revenues each spring and summer account for nearly 70 percent of the company’s yearly income.
Edelson and the troupe’s board of directors are “ committed to providing assistance to the over 100 artists, artisans, and technicians that were depending on the company for their livelihood this summer,” it said.
Those who’ve already bought tickets for the season’s performances will be contacted directly by Opera Saratoga with various options, including refunds and ways to convert their purchases into credit or donations. For more information on the company, see operasaratoga.org.