Given the unprecedented level of uncertainty surrounding the CoVid 19 pandemic, we have been forced to make some incredibly difficult decisions regarding the 2020 season at Bluff City Theater.

Producing theater is a complex undertaking that requires us to make commitments months in advance of the actual performances. Even more importantly, our financial model is based on a combination of fundraising activities, donations and grants as well as subscriptions and single ticket sales, all of which happen in advance of the season.

With only six weeks to go before we are scheduled to begin rehearsals, it is clear that we must suspend or cancel the majority of our plans for 2020. To do anything less would put the theater and our audiences at risk.

Therefore, we have made the following decisions:

Comedy-on-the-River is postponed until the Fall, likely early October.

Our 2020 Gala, scheduled for May 1 is cancelled. Instead, our board is working on replacing this extremely important fundraising event with one or more online events and auctions.

The 2020 Regular Season is cancelled. Those who have already purchased subscriptions and flex passes will automatically have them carried over to 2021, unless they request a refund. Those who have purchased single tickets for a particular event will get a refund.

Our YETI youth programs will delay starting until we have a better understanding of how the CoVid situation is evolving but we are still planning on resuming regular activities as soon as possible.

Depending on when the crisis ends and restrictions are lifted, we will plan for a series of special performances in the theater similar to last weekend’s Sweet Dreams of Patsy event so that the theater can once again make a contribution to Hannibal’s all-important cultural economy.

We are extremely sorry that these decisions will affect so many people-not only our valued patrons and financial supporters, but also the dozens of theater professionals for whom Bluff City Theater is an important annual employer. Our hope is that the crisis will end soon and we can return to normal and that all of you remain safe and healthy for the duration.