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Another popular summer attraction in South Pasadena has been wiped out on account of the coronavirus outbreak with the announcement that Shakespeare by the Sea 2020 season has been cancelled.
“All of us at Shakespeare by the Sea (SBTS) are absolutely heartbroken to announce that we’re cancelling our 2020 Season,” said Lisa Coffi, SBTS’s producing artistic director, said in an email. “With the COVID-19 situation, we just cannot move forward with planning large-scale public events.”
SBTS was looking to present its 24th season this summer, featuring two Shakespearean plays at Garfield Park delivered by its troupe of actors traveling to about 25 parks around Southern California.
“Yes, it’s painful to imagine a summer with out seeing all of the people we’ve gotten to know throughout the years in each of our venues,” said Coffi. “But we do hope you’ll stay in touch throughout the year.”
Under normal circumstances, many bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic-style dinners to SoCal venues and enjoy an evening of Shakespeare.
In 2019, SBTS opened its season in mid-June at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro for the start of 10 weeks of entertainment through August 17, visiting locations throughout LA, Orange and Ventura Counties.
The tour included 42 performances in 23 locations, drawing audiences exceeding more than 20,000, enjoying classic dramatic works under the stars.
“We’ll definitely be in touch as our plans for a 2021 re-boot become solidified,” said Coffi. “If you’ve made a donation in 2020 – please know that we appreciate your support and will count it towards a 2021 donation. We’re doing everything we can to cut our operating expenses so we can weather this storm and plan for 2021.”
To make a donation to SBTS, visit: ShakespearebytheSea.org
