SME’s Statement on COVID-19
We are in uncharted waters.
COVID-19 is present nearly everywhere, and our community is no exception. As we continue to wade through these unknown waters, the future has never felt so unpredictable. Things have never been so ambiguous—much like the characters in Sondheim’s Into the Woods; the musical we chose for our Summer 2020 production. “Isn’t it nice to know a lot?” Little Red sings to herself. “And a little bit not.” Later in the show Cinderella hems and haws on the steps of the palace, “But then how can you know Who you are till you know What you want, which I don’t So then which do you pick…”
When the Stay at Home Order was put into place in March, SME made the decision to cancel a series of Cabaret fundraisers to ensure the safety and welfare of our SME friends and family, the community at large, and ourselves. In time, we were also notified by Virginia Tech that all summer activities on campus were being canceled, including our Summer production of Into The Woods.
While there’s a lot of uncertainty, we know that we need to adapt fast to our changing reality. Now, more than ever, our community needs each other. While much of this is out of our control, we’re dedicated to finding ways to continue striving to bring quality musical theatre to the New River Valley, featuring it’s greatest resource — it’s people! We hope to resume programming soon! We borrow from Broadway and many other theatres when we say we are simply in an extended Intermission. But that means that there will still be a Second Act!
In times like this, we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are. Thank you for being part of our community for the past 29 years. Without you, none of it would be possible.
