Broadway in Columbia affected by rising number of coronavirus cases in SC
Several big name musicians, comedians and other performers have postponed or canceled scheduled shows in Columbia as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The rising number of cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina is affecting the performances scheduled for the Koger Center. That includes the Broadway in Columbia events.
Broadway in Columbia presents “An American In Paris,” has already been postponed, Koger Center Director Nate Terracio told The State.
The two shows scheduled for March 31 and April 1 have been rescheduled for a matinee and evening performance on June 13.
“We’re all trying to be optimistic June is still safe,” said Terracio, adding previously sold tickets will be honored for the corresponding shows.
But he acknowledged more changes are likely because of social distancing mandates and other recommended protocols to stay healthy and limit the spread of COVID-19.
“We’re keeping an open dialogue with the events scheduled through the end of May. Anything can change,” Terracio said.
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There are three more Broadway in Columbia performances currently scheduled to come to the Koger Center. They include “Bandstand,” “The Color Purple,” and “Cats.”
None of the musicals have been postponed or rescheduled as of Thursday, but “Bandstand,” is set for April 29-30, and “The Color Purple” will take the stage May 12.
“We’ve only adjusted the schedule through April 5, and I could anticipate other changes in the future,” Terracio said.
Part of the difficulty he is facing is these Broadway traveling performances are large productions with several other dates in venues across the U.S.
A change at one or more locations means all of the shows become uncertain as theaters try to reschedule without disrupting other performances.
In spite of the challenges, Terracio said the Koger Center is committed to bring the arts to Columbia. That’s why he’s trying to reschedule as many performances as possible without canceling the events.
“There’s lots of conversations happening, and some (shows) are pulling the trigger early while others are taking a wait and see approach,” Terracio said. “I do anticipate there will be more postponements, but promoters, performers and audience members have been very understanding. Not one has complained and everyone has banded together in an uncertain time.”
Only five of 15 performances that have been affected have been canceled. The Koger Center regularly updates the status of its scheduled shows online.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
To reduce the spread of coronavirus, events of more than 50 people in a state, county, city, or other publicly-owned facility are prohibited, except for essential government functions, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
As of Wednesday afternoon, 60 people in South Carolina had tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control. Four have been reported in Charleston County.
Symptoms of coronavirus vary from mild to severe and include coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
