Vero Beach Theatre Guild opens season Jan. 13
VERO BEACH — The Vero Beach Theatre Guild will kick-off its 63rd season Jan. 13 in a newly-renovated theater that allows for social distancing.
Since the pandemic shuttered the theater March 15, production crews, staff and volunteers have renovated the building into a more COVID-safe environment.
Seating capacity is now limited to less than 50% of the building’s capacity and all excess seats from the theater have been removed. Each row now has 6 feet in front and behind patrons.
The size of the lobby has been increased to allow audience members the opportunity for social distancing between entrance doors, box office windows and entrances to restrooms and the auditorium.
The outside patio now has a permanent, covered roof with lighted ceiling fans that circulate air flow.
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the building, and there are filtrations for the air conditioning system. Cleaning and sanitizing before, during and after each performance has been increased.
According to Artistic Director Jon Putzke, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild is 100% committed to the health and well-being of everyone who enters the theater campus at 2020 San Juan Ave.
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“We want patrons to not only feel welcome but safe when attending future productions, rehearsals, meetings or work sessions,” said Putzke.
The first show, “Over the Tavern,” begins Jan. 13 and runs through Jan. 24. Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. The play, a comedy directed by Alex Martinez and written by by Tom Dudzick, tells the story of four teenagers growing up Catholic over a tavern in Buffalo, New York, in 1959.
Throughout the production, audiences watch as the youngest character Rudy Pazinski, played by Cavanaugh Corrie, and his family, explore their relationships to one another and the problems they encounter trying to live their Catholic faith. Cast members include Anne Talbot as Sister Clarissa; J.D. Cerna as patriarch Chet Pazinski; Kasey McBride as Ellen Pazinski; and Will Commerford, Libbie Baylinson and Dakota Humphrey as siblings Eddie, Annie and George respectively.
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Other shows in the 63rd Season line-up include the romantic comedy “Almost, Maine” directed by Tevin Brown in February; the comedy whodunit “A Shot in the Dark” directed by Jon Putzke in March; Broadway’s musical “Sister Act” directed by Beth Shestak in April; and the Hollywood comedy “Moonlight and Magnolias” directed by Pam Harbaugh in May.
How to get tickets
- Tickets are now on sale for all performances for $30; “Sister Act” is $35. Student tickets are available for $15.
- Four, five and six admission Flex Passes are available, allowing patrons to save as much as $60 without committing to a restrictive season ticket schedule.
- The box office is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and one hour before show time on performance days. It is at the theater, 2020 San Juan Ave.
- Tickets also are available by calling 772-562-8300, or online at www.verobeachtheatreguild.com