‘Beauty and the Beast’ spring musical at the Palace postponed to June

Out of concern for audiences, staff and most certainly a cast of nearly 100 performers, the Palace Theater announced that the debut of its spring musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” is postponed until June.

“It was a hard decision,” said Phillips Payson, the theater’s executive director. “Our board of directors, theater staff and hard working and enthusiastic cast, ranging in age from 7-70, agreed Sunday night to postpone the musical until the current health crisis our community is facing subsides. We are diligently monitoring updates and guidelines from WHO, CDC, state and federal government organizations as to when it is safe to resume operations.”

“We were just getting ready for an extremely busy week for tech and final rehearsals on Sunday,” said Larry Reitzer, director of the musical. “It was a bittersweet moment of sadness, yet acceptance, filled with downcast faces, ‘air hugs’ and elbow bumps. But we all agreed that the show will come roaring back in June.”

Patrons who already purchased tickets can request a refund from the Palace box office.

For tickets purchased online or via the phone, call the box office at 934-7010 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday to process a refund.

For tickets that were already picked up from the box office, refunds will need to be processed in person and the original tickets need to be turned over to the box office. No refunds will be issued without original tickets.

For those wanting to support the theater during this turbulent time, you can request the original ticket purchase be transferred into a tax deductible donation. As public operations are suspended for the foreseeable future, every bit of support helps ensure the Palace doors will reopen.