The pandemic has been difficult for lovers of theatre and musical performances. Lockdowns over the past two years have cancelled or postponed many shows.
Actor and Comedian Marshall Button says people use these performances as an escape, “Puts me in mind of the great Tin Pan Alley song, popular in the 1930s, ‘Buddy can you spare a dime?’ In the Great Depression, a dime is what it would cost to go to the theatre. You could go to the theatre and escape a journey away from your current state.”
Button adds theatre is great for mental health, as the audience is captivated and swept away by the performers.
He expects though once it is safe to do so again, theatres will be packed full, “People more than ever, getting together and celebrating and I have a sense they will be back in droves when we get back to the closest thing to normal that we can find.”
Button adds shutdowns during COVID-19 have been devastating to performers as well, because for some actors, these shows are the only income they have.
“It has been devastating. In Toronto, with performances like ‘Come From Away’ in Toronto. You’re talking over 100 people involved in a show like that. The cast, musicians and support crew. For some of us, it is the only way we make a living. Personally, I earn my yearly salary by hosting and performing, and that kind of things have dried up completely. I made the decision at 21 years old that this is how I was going to make my living, but with all of the performances dried up, it has been an interesting time.”
The Capitol Theatre in Moncton was recently forced to postpone its Sound of Music show with Tutta Musica. It will now be performed in 2023 instead.
The annual musical that is normally performed in February, was also forced to cancel last year.
Button, who is the Director, says he has already spoken to make people who were very disappointed with the news.
