Open Stage has announced a return to live performances.
The Harrisburg-area arts scene soon will take another step towards normal operations, as Open Stage today announced the return of live performances to its downtown theater.
Open Stage will reopen with a series of concerts, beginning in late May with a Judy Garland celebration entitled, “Over the Rainbow: the Songs of Judy Garland.”
“It’s obviously been a difficult year for theater,” said Stuart Landon, producing artistic director at Open Stage. “Last March, we asked ourselves, ‘What is theater without people sitting in the audience?’ And we—the five full time staff members—took some time away from the space. But through a very dark time, we were able to find some light.”
The announcement marks the latest in a series of theater re-openings in Harrisburg following a general pandemic-related shutdown over a year ago.
Recently, Gamut Theatre returned live with a three-week run of “2 by Strindberg,” which extends through late April. In addition, Midtown Cinema last week announced the return of first-run films and public screenings to its recently renovated theater.
Over the past year, several area theaters began to stream performances. For instance, Open Stage premiered its “Open Stage at Home” streaming last April with a six-part production of “Angels in America.”
“The community has been a boon to us during this time,” Landon said. “So many patrons have purchased streaming passes and signed up for our monthly giving program. We are really humbled by the passion for the arts during a time when people can’t gather. But theater-goers are ready to return to live entertainment. It’s time for us to welcome artists and audiences back to Court Street.”
“Over the Rainbow” will run for about a month, starting May 28, at Open Stage’s theater. It will culminate on June 25 with one outdoor performance at Italian Lake Park in Harrisburg.
The concert features performers Carly Lafferty, Stacey Werner and Rachel Landon with Music Director Nicholas Werner at the helm. The production is directed by Stuart Landon, who believes this concert series, featuring local talent from central Pennsylvania, will satisfy both the long-time patrons and newcomers to the theater.
“There is also something very beautiful about a bunch of strangers sitting in a dark room sharing an experience—seeing a well-formulated story, hearing beautiful music—and knowing that the person next to you is experiencing the same thing,” Landon said. “‘Over the Rainbow’ will be just that.”
“Over the Rainbow” will be followed by a July concert featuring the works of singer-songwriter Carole King, along with shows featuring solo artists from the Harrisburg area. In fact, for the first time, Open Stage will produce a full summer season.
Open Stage’s regular fall season will kick off in September with plays, musicals, cabarets and special events, according to the theater.
Open Stage is located at 25 N. Court St., Harrisburg. Tickets are available starting May 1 at openstagehbg.com. Capacity will be limited, adhering to CDC guidelines and local and state government regulations. Physical distancing, mask-wearing, and rigorous sanitation practices will be in place in order to keep audiences and artists safe.
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