CHATTER AWAY: Overnight Open Thread

Playbill reports:

In an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Public Theater has canceled its summer programming—including the free Shakespeare in the Park season in Central Park, its production of Erika Dickerson-Despenza’s Cullud Wattah, and Joe’s Pub performances—through August 31.

The 2020 Shakespeare in the Park lineup featured a production of Richard II, directed by Saheem Ali, followed by a return, four-week run of Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery’s musical adaptation of As You Like It, previously seen at the Delacorte as part of the 2017 Public Works program.

In light of the new economic circumstances, The Public also announced that it will furlough about 70 percent of its full-time, permanent staff, and that senior leadership will take significant pay reductions to ensure the long-term viability of the institution.

Free Shakespeare in the Park, a staple of summer in New York City, is being canceled because of the pandemic. And the Public Theater, the prestigious nonprofit which runs the annual festival, is furloughing 70 percent of its full-time, permanent staff. https://t.co/dHLa7EiAnR

— Michael Paulson (@MichaelPaulson) April 17, 2020

The Public Theater confirmed today that its upcoming season at Central Park’s Delacorte Theater would not be moving forward, interrupting a beloved New York City summertime cultural tradition that has been ongoing since 1962 https://t.co/HCLcv23be5

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) April 17, 2020