‘Painful decision.’ Springer cancels shows due to surge of COVID cases in Columbus
The dramatic surge of COVID-19 cases in Muscogee County has prompted the Springer Opera House to cancel its January shows.
“Superhero for All Seasons” was scheduled to open Jan. 15 and “ACE: The Eugene Bullard Story” was scheduled to open Jan. 20 at the historic theater complex in downtown Columbus.
The Springer also suspended No Shame Theater, its weekly showcase of new works, “until case rates return to a safe level,” the news release says.
Paul Pierce, the Springer’s producing artistic director, noted that the daily case rate in Muscogee County was 12 cases per 100,000 population when the Springer’s two holiday shows finished their runs in late December. The rate has increased nearly 700% since then, he said.
“In order to keep our artists and audiences safe,” he said, “we’ve made the painful decision to pull the plug on these events.”
Record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases were reported in Muscogee County over the past week as the omicron variant rapidly spreads, according to data from the Georgia Department of Public Health. From Dec. 27-Jan. 2, 1,334 coronavirus cases and four deaths were reported in Columbus. During the same time period, Columbus recorded its three highest single-day COVID case reports.
Springer staff will contact patrons who have purchased tickets for the canceled productions via email or phone with more information on their ticketing options, according to the news release. Patrons may donate their ticket value, claim a voucher for future performances or ask for a refund.
For more information, visit the Springer’s website at springeroperahouse.org, call 706-327-3688 o email boxoffice@springeroperahouse.org.
Staff writer Brittany McGee contributed this report.
This story was originally published January 5, 2022 at 10:55 AM.
