As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Utah, Salt Lake County’s arts venues will close until the end of the year, Salt Lake County Arts & Culture announced on Wednesday.
The following locations will be closed for public performances Nov. 23-Dec. 31:
- Abravanel Hall
- Capitol Theatre
- Eccles Theatre
- Rose Wagner Performing Arts
The venues are being closed at the direction of Mayor Jennifer Wilson and the County Health Department, out of an abundance of caution and to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
- “The Theatres have been operating at approximately twenty percent of capacity with limited events through the end of the year,” Salt Lake County Arts & Culture said in a press release. “Those presenters that were booked are determining whether their events will be presented virtually, rescheduled or canceled.”
Utah Symphony Utah Opera said in a statement that this weekend’s scheduled performances with violinist Pinchas Zukerman will not be affected, and that it will have more updates in the coming days about the performances that were scheduled for Abravanel Hall in December.
Ballet West announced Wednesday that instead of being performed live, its annual production of “The Nutcracker” will be aired commercial-free on KSL-TV on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
- A significant portion of Ballet West’s revenue comes from its ticket sales of “The Nutcracker,” which it has performed each Christmas season for 65 years, according to a press release from Ballet West. Because of this, Ballet West is encouraging members of the community to donate in support of the company.
- “We need your help more than ever to support these talented artists and to allow us to continue to innovate and enrich our community,” said Sarah West, Ballet West’s chief development officer. “As families enjoy ‘The Nutcracker’ from the comfort and safety of their homes, we hope they will be compelled to make a gift, small or large, so we may continue this beloved holiday tradition for years to come.”