SOTA: All events, including mainstages and Henry shows, canceled

NKU’s School of the Arts has canceled all mainstage shows, according to an official statement by the department. All art exhibitions and concerts by the music department are also canceled. Student-run plays in the Henry Konstantinow Theatre were canceled last Friday. 

The theatre and dance faculty met Tuesday and discussed how they would proceed with the two productions left in the semester. Based on university and state policies, they have decided to cancel “Buried Child” and “Mamma Mia!”

“The faculty, Ken, Jamey, and I all share your sadness and disappointment. It breaks our hearts not to get to work with you on these productions and to share your talents with our patrons. But we will move forward,” Theatre and Dance Program Head Michael Hatton said in an email to SOTA students.

Hatton praised the resilience of SOTA students and the department overall.

“We will continue to create art, support each other, and engage in meaningful work. We have a summer full of opportunities ahead of us as well as a fantastic season starting in the fall,” Hatton said in an email.

“Buried Child” was set to open March 26 and run until April 5. Our coverage called the Pulitzer Prize winning play that reflects on the death of the American Dream the “oddest play of the season.”

“Mamma Mia!” is a world-renowned musical based on the discography of ‘70s swing band ABBA and was set to run at NKU from April 24 to May 3. Our write-up said that Director Ken Jones had “plans to make SOTA’s performance especially unique.”

Any students cast in Mamma Mia need to reach out to stage manager Holden Casada and provide their mailing address. They will then receive a prepaid envelope to send their libretto back, as the publisher needs them back as soon as possible.

“I am so sad that our production did not even get the chance to begin rehearsal. And I will forever be sad that I was unable to work with our extremely talented cast and crew,” Casada said in digital messaging. “Although it’s a hard pill to swallow, we will have to move on. Keep creating art!! And stay healthy and safe out there dancing queens!”

Anyone who purchased tickets to any upcoming SOTA production may exchange their tickets for a SOTA production in the future, receive a credit to use later, or donate their ticket purchase to SOTA. The box office window in SOTA is closed, however, patrons can call (859) 572-5464 and leave a message or email boxoffice@nku.edu with any questions or decisions.

Hatton thanked students for the professionalism they’ve shown during these “unique times.”

“I know this has been a hard week of nervous waiting. Your patience and strength has been inspiring to all of us,” Hatton said in an email.

Full list of closures:

• SOTA Art Galleries (closed)
• March 26-April 5: Buried Child (canceled)
• April 2: Juried Student Exhibition Artist & Awards Reception (canceled; awards will be presented virtually)
• April 16: Symphonic Winds + Choirs (canceled)
• April 23: Philharmonic Orchestra (canceled)
• April 24-May 3: Mamma Mia (canceled)
• April 30: Concert Band + Conner HS Band (canceled)
• May 15-16: Getting to Know… Oklahoma! (canceled)
• June 4-21: Beguiled Again (ticket sales suspended)
• July 9-26: Nana’s Naughty Knickers (ticket sales suspended)

The Northerner is currently investigating the impact of the switch to online learning, including but not limited to how housing, dining, student workers, labs, studios and the office of Health, Counseling and Student Wellness will be affected. For any questions you’d like to know about the decision, contact us anytime on Twitter or Instagram. For questions or concerns about how the virus could potentially affect campus, contact us or email covid19@nku.edu. Keep checking The Northerner for all updates on NKU’s switch to alternative instruction.