Joffrey Ballet cancels productions for remainder of season

“After once again consulting with health officials on the state of Covid-19, we have determined that the safest course of action for our artists and audience members is to cancel the remainder of our season,” Ashley Wheater, The Joffrey Ballet's Mary B. Galvin artistic director, said in a company news release. “While this is yet another painful decision, especially for the artists, I am inspired by the positivity of the organization. We are back in the studios at Joffrey Tower, under strict safety guidelines, and benefiting from lots of creative energy. Robert Joffrey founded this Company based on innovation. We will carry on that legacy and bring art to the world regardless of the circumstances.”The Joffrey intends to return to the stage in the fall of 2021, its first year at Lyric Opera House, pending the conditions of the pandemic, the news release states.

 

Canceled programs for the current season include productions of Cathy Marston's "Of Mice and Men," George Balanchine's "Serenade" and John Neumeier's "The Little Mermaid," which were originally scheduled for spring 2021. Earlier this year, the Joffrey canceled its fall productions of Sir Kenneth MacMillan's "Manon" and Christopher Wheeldon's "The Nutcracker."

 

This fall, the Joffrey is launching a new digital series, the Joffrey Studio Series, that invites guests to learn about dance through behind-the-scenes content produced with the company's artists and artistic team. In recognition of its 25th anniversary in Chicago, the Joffrey is also creating a"25 for 25" series of free programs, performances and partnerships in conjunction with other Chicago organizations.