CLEVELAND — Cleveland Play House canceled the remaining shows of “Light It Up!” after crew members tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
“Everyone at CPH is fully vaccinated, including the cast, crew, and audiences of our new holiday show ‘Light It Up!.’ In spite of vaccinations, regular testing, and other safety protocols, members of the cast/crew experienced breakthrough cases of COVID. We are grateful that the few people who tested positive are asymptomatic or experiencing only mild symptoms,” said CPH Artistic Director Laura Kepley. “While heartbroken to close this joyful and uplifting show six days early, we recognize we are not alone as several theatres on Broadway and across the country are in similar situations.”
Ticket holders of the canceled remaining live performances will be contacted and provided with several options, including streaming the production online or exchanging their tickets for another production.
“When we learned of the COVID-19 infections earlier this week, we were concerned for the health and safety of the cast, musicians, and crew of the production. We took the necessary precautions by increasing testing and cancelling performances accordingly. While understudies and crew were prepared to step in where needed, we were concerned about further potential spread of the virus and that’s what led us to make this very difficult decision. Definitely a disappointing and hard decision as we are in this festive season; however, a necessity for the health and safety of all,” said CPH Managing Director Collette A. Laisure.
CPH’s Festival of Trees will remain open to the public until Wednesday, Dec. 22. Masks are required in the Allen Theatre complex at all times, and they must show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test result before entering the grounds.
Cleveland Play House also had to cancel one of the performances on Wednesday due to COVID-19 concerns.
