Broadway at Music Circus postponed for first time in 70-year history, citing coronavirus

Broadway at Music Circus has postponed its 2020 summer season for the first time, citing uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus.

Broadway Sacramento President and CEO Richard Lewis announced the postponement Thursday in a news release which cited concerns over the safety of employees and patrons due to the spread of COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus.

This year’s canceled shows include retellings of classics such as “Kinky Boots,” Monty Python’s “Spamalot” and “The Color Purple.” The shows will be moved to the summer of 2021.

The 70-year-old series of summer shows has often featured veterans of Broadway, film and television.

“For those of us dedicated to creating these productions for you to enjoy, this was an extremely painful decision,” Lewis said. “And as you can imagine, it creates a significant financial hardship for our company, a nonprofit whose very existence is dependent on the loyalty and generosity of our patrons and supporters.”

The company’s winter series, Broadway Sacramento, has canceled performances of “Bandstand,” scheduled to run April 7-12, while the organization’s website lists the production of “Come From Away,” scheduled May 19-24, as uncertain.

Single-show tickets had yet to go on sale for Broadway at Music Circus, but Lewis stated those who had purchased season tickets would have the opportunity to transfer them to the 2021 season, which is set to begin June 8.

“With your support and loyalty, we will get through this. And when we emerge, we’ll once again come together to enjoy the art form that we all cherish – and that Broadway at Music Circus has provided to the Sacramento community since 1951,” Lewis said.