Venice Theatre Up and Running Again This Month

March 3, 2021 – Venice

Venice Theatre is happy to announce its second return to live performances since the pandemic shut things down almost a year ago. Beginning Friday, March 26, 2021 the theatre will present a new series of live shows in its Jervey Theatre. The theatre continues to follow the recommendations of its Covid-19 task force comprised of medical and community advisors. 

Producing Executive Director Murray Chase says, “Things will continue to be different for a while. Shows will still feature smaller casts and all performances will take place in our MainStage Jervey Theatre, with a distanced seating plan.”

Chase is pleased to announce that the first spring show will be an original cabaret from Michelle Kasanofsky, the theatre’s top music director since 2004 and a stellar performer in her own right. Kasanofsky will present “2020: The Year That Almost Was” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday March 26 and Saturday March 27. Her son Mikal Mancini will join her on piano and bass, and frequent collaborator Joel Broome will be on drums. 

The theatre will follow that up with a busy schedule through the first weekend in May. “Back Home Again, A Tribute to John Denver” starring Tom Becker is set for April 9 to April 11. The contemporary musical “john & jen” about a brother and sister will star real-life brother and sister Casey and Kiley Berkery April 22 through May 5. The perennial audience favorite, Folk Legacy Trio, rounds out the spring schedule with concerts May 7 through May 9. 

Chase adds, “Protocols will be similar to those we adopted when we first reopened last fall. Face coverings will be required of all audience members and staff. If someone doesn’t have one, we’re happy to provide one. This includes during performances.”

The theatre staff will conduct quick temperature checks as patrons enter the theatre. The bar will be closed at first and will reopen in stages. There will be no intermission.

Chase explains, “We are encouraged to have seen a decrease in Covid numbers again and are thankful that vaccines have been rolled out. However, we will continue with precautions until more of the population receives the vaccine.” Chase anticipates being able to offer a full season beginning in July 2021.

Seats for the spring shows will go on sale March 8 at VeniceTheatre.org. Many 2019-2020 ticket holders received vouchers for future shows after the forced shutdown in March, 2020. Those vouchers are valid anytime through 2022. If patrons have questions, they may email info@venicetheatre.net. Venice Theatre is located at 140 Tampa Ave. W. in Venice, Florida.