Egyptian Theatre postpones holiday events

In response to rising COVID-19 cases across Illinois, The Egyptian Theatre has postponed all of their December events to January. The postponement includes their Holiday Film Series and performances of “The Nutcracker” by the Beth Fowler Dance Company.

“With 2020 already being a tough year we wanted to find a way to still keep the holiday magic alive, even if it is in January,” Jeanine Holcomb, Marketing and Communications Director of the Egyptian Theatre, said. “So, we decided postponing these events would be better than cancelling.” 

Originally set for Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20, the Holiday Film Series will consist of the Christmas films “It’s A Wonderful Life,” “White Christmas” and “The Santa Clause.” Now the films have been rescheduled for Jan. 17, Jan. 24 and Jan. 31, according to the Egyptian Theatre’s website. Tickets for these films are $10 for adults and $8 for students, children and seniors and can be purchased on the Egyptian Theatre’s website.

Also being rescheduled are performances of “The Nutcracker” ballet by the Beth Fowler Dance Company, an annual tradition of the Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St. Originally scheduled for Dec. 3, Dec. 4, Dec. 5, Dec. 10, Dec. 11 and Dec. 12, the showings have been rescheduled for Jan. 21, Jan. 22, Jan. 23, Jan. 28, Jan. 29 and Jan. 30 with two showings at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Jan. 23 and Jan. 30, according to the Egyptian Theatre’s website.

Unlike previous performances, which were done live on the Egyptian Theatre’s stage, this upcoming rendition was pre-recorded and edited for the Egyptian Theatre’s big screen as a film, according to the Beth Fowler Dance Company’s website.

Tickets for “The Nutcracker” cost $25 for adults and $20 for children aged 12 and under. Friday showings, which have even greater social distancing to accommodate patrons at greater risk of contracting COVID-19, cost $20 for adults and $15 for children.

“We want patrons to feel that we are making decisions with their health and safety as a top priority,” Holcomb said. “It has obviously been difficult not welcoming patrons through our doors, but when we have been able to, we have added numerous safety measures to make sure everyone’s experience is safe. We will remain patient through this shutdown and can’t wait to see everyone on the other side.”

In the meantime, patrons can still contribute to the Egyptian Theatre during the month of December including giving to the Egyptian Theatre’s Birthday Club where, in celebration of the Egyptian Theatre’s ninety first birthday, they can donate $91, according to the Egyptian Theatre’s website.

“The best way to support us right now is financially,” Holcomb said. “Losing over seven months of programming has been devastating to our operational budget and we have been vigilant in applying for any grant that is applicable to us. But we still need the community’s support to keep us going. The Egyptian has been through a lot in 91 years and we know we can get through this.”