The show cannot go on: Canceled theater shows this March

There’s an age-old saying in theater: “The show must go on”—meaning, whatever happens, you have to soldier on and put on the performance.

But as more and more cases of COVID-19 get reported and confirmed in the country, with 49 confirmed cases and two deaths as of this writing, schools, offices and events are taking more precautions to combat the virus’ spread. Theater companies are the latest to follow suit.

The Department of Health (DOH) has issued an advisory to postpone or cancel large public gatherings and has promoted social distancing, which can help in avoiding catching the human-to-human contact spread of the new coronavirus.

Many major events, from sales to festivals and even art fairs have already been canceled. And while this February-March season has normally been considered by theater actors and fans as “lagari season,” (for the sheer amount of productions that simultaneously take place) it looks like this will no longer be the case this year. Theater companies have been announcing cancelations and postponements in many of their productions this month, opting to move the shows to later dates of the year for the sake of public health (and the cast and production team’s health, too).

Bought a ticket to any of the shows this March? Take note of their schedules:

Next to Normal – Ateneo Blue Repertory

Canceled dates: Shows for the week of Mar. 11-18

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In line with the Ateneo de Manila University’s campus-wide lockdown and the nationwide class suspensions due to COVID-19, all shows on March 11-18 are cancelled. If you are a ticket holder for any of these show dates, please standby for updates. #NextToNormalblueREP

A post shared by Ateneo blueREP (@ateneobluerepertory) on Mar 10, 2020 at 3:10am PDT

The Band’s Visit – Atlantis Theatrical

Canceled dates: All show dates (Mar. 13 to 29)

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Thank you for your continued support. Stay safe and see you soon at the theater.

A post shared by Atlantis Theatrical (@atlantistheatrical) on Mar 11, 2020 at 9:41am PDT

Sandbox Fest 2020: Every Brilliant Thing and Lungs – The Sandbox Collective

Canceled dates: All shows for the weekend of Mar. 14-15

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Thank you so much for your support and understanding. Everyone stay safe and hope to see you at the theater very soon. #Sandboxfest2020 #EveryBrilliant2020 #Lungs2020

A post shared by The Sandbox Collective (@thesandboxco) on Mar 10, 2020 at 7:36pm PDT

Nana Rosa – Dulaang UP

Canceled dates: Mar. 12-15

Tabing Ilog the Musical

Canceled dates: Mar. 12-15

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To ensure the safety and health of our audiences, Tabing Ilog The Musical has rescheduled this week’s performances. Thank you for your continued support. Read the full details 👆

A post shared by Tabing Ilog the Musical (@tabingilogmusical) on Mar 10, 2020 at 3:57am PDT

Dekada ’70 Musical – Black Box Productions

Canceled dates: Mar. 12-14

Enrico IV – Tanghalang Pilipino

Canceled dates: Mar. 20-21

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Isang mensahe mula sa Tanghalang Pilipino.

A post shared by Tanghalang Pilipino (@tanghalang.pilipino) on Mar 11, 2020 at 11:52pm PDT

Top Girls – Tanghalang Ateneo

Canceled dates: Mar. 11-18

Under My Skin – Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)

Canceled dates: Mar. 12-15

Anna in the Tropics – Repertory Philippines

Canceled dates: All show dates from Mar. 13-Apr. 5

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Thank you for your support and understanding. Let’s all stay safe, vigilant, and healthy. We’ll see you back at Onstage Theater very soon. #RepertoryPhilippines #REPAnnaInTheTropics #REPCarousel

A post shared by Repertory Philippines (@repertoryphilippines) on Mar 12, 2020 at 9:30pm PDT