By Paddy McCarthy
The Coronavirus, specifically COVID-19 pandemic has to be the worst that I have ever seen, now who the hell came up with that? It’s very scientific I think anyway so they had to make it fancy and highbrow to show how intelligent they are as it started off with China and, of course, they had to bring a beer into it. No matter what name they have given it, it can be deadly and it’s spreading like wildfire so please be careful.
Follow all the directions that we have been given: wash your hands for at least 20 seconds at a time, cover your mouth with a mask, when coughing or sneezing use facial tissues and if you do not have to go out then stay indoors. This is very important and we should all heed this advice no matter what our age because this virus has no boundaries. I never thought that I would be talking like this in my Out&About, but I have as I care about you and I have a lot of readers that I appreciate. Let’s hope with all that the government are doing that it will be all over very soon as this is not a political agenda it’s again a team effort, right?
The show must go on and by me saying that when this is all over hopefully we can see all our Irish theatres and Irish Centers back again in full force. Here are some that we are looking forward to get back to in time: The Irish Repertory Theatre, The Irish Center, The Irish Arts Theatre, the Origin Theatre, The Pond Theatre, NYCB Theater Westbury, The Pigeon Theatre, and Keswick Theatre to name just a few.
The news back in Ireland where The Irish Examiner USA is widely read things is that things are not so good with this coronavirus. I have been talking to my sister Mary and her husband Gerard and they are self-quarantined as they both have health issues and have not stepped outside the door for over a week now and it seems it will be much longer.
I recieved more sad news from John Fitzpatrick President & CEO of the Fitzpatrick Hotel Group who has an annual Memorial Golf Tournament every year in memories of his Mom and Dad Eithne and Paddy Fitzpatrick. He has said that he hopes everyone is keeping well during this difficult time but that with the travel ban and with everyone’s interest in mind he made a difficult decision to postpone the 27th Annual Eithne and Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Golf Tournament. The good news is it is rescheduled to Monday, September 28, 2020.
Now onto some more news, Charlotte Moore and Ciaran O’Reilly from The Irish Repertory Theatre tell us that a lot of performances have been cancelled because of the COVID-19 epidemic that has swept the nation and specifically New York. “At Irish Rep, the health and safety of our audience, artists, and staff is our top priority. Therefore, in an effort to protect our community and help contain the spread of COVID-19, we have cancelled all performances from March 13 – April 14, 2020,” they said. “All remaining performances of Incantata and Lady G: Plays and Whisperings of Lady Gregory have been cancelled.”
In addition, performances of The Smuggler are postponed until this fall with the run expected to begin in September. Exact dates will be announced at a future date.
A Touch of the Poet has been postponed until further notice. It will be rescheduled when the theatre reopens. Their 2020 Gala, Celebrating our Pal: The Musicals of Hal Prince is still expected to take place on June 8, but their single ticket on-sale dates will be rescheduled until the Irish Rep box office team has had time to process all affected ticket purchases for the productions above.
The evening of Gregory Harrington and Friends is now cancelled. Current ticket holders for all canceled and postponed shows will receive an email with information about next steps, and they will also be calling affected patrons in order of upcoming performances.
All affected patrons will be offered the opportunity to transfer tickets to an upcoming date, process the ticket price as a donation or patron credit for a future show, or receive a full refund.
Note that they are a small company and truly appreciate your patience at this time as they try to contact everyone. If you need to reach them, please email boxoffice@irishrep.org or call (212) 727-2737.
They concluded that “We would like to acknowledge our members and donors whose generosity keeps us afloat in challenging times. Our company and our artists are very grateful for your support.
“As we all navigate this situation, we are reminded that so much of the power of the arts stems from the joy in coming together for a shared experience, recognizing and reflecting on our own humanity and shared experiences.
“As this virus forces us all to spend time apart, we are especially grateful to have had so many opportunities to come together with all of you who come through our doors show-after-show. Thank you. We can’t wait to do it again. We look forward to seeing you all back on 22nd Street again soon.”
Until then, please stay safe and healthy and I will see you all WHEN I am Out&About again…