North Bay theatre came back with a vengeance in mid-2021 when restrictions were lifted and theaters could once more welcome audiences inside. Almost every theatre company in the region returned to live production with solo shows, comedies, and the occasional musical.
The New Year brought news of Omicron–a more contagious variant of the coronavirus–and an explosion of new cases. Some theatre companies found it difficult to proceed with rehearsals after positive Covid test results were reported by cast and crew members. Other companies found it challenging to open with the Sonoma County Health Officer’s order restricting large indoor gatherings.
Consequently, live theatre finds itself once more scrambling. These are the shows originally scheduled to open from mid-January through early February that have moved their opening dates and/or adjusted their runs:
Pass Over – Marin Theatre Company in Mill Valley
The acclaimed drama’s opening moves to Feb. 2.
Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily – Ross Valley Players in Ross
The case won’t open till Feb. 4.
Amy and the Orphans – Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma
The opening of this poignant comedy is delayed until Feb. 11.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) – Raven Players in Healdsburg
The Raven’s remount of this irreverent summary of Shakespeare’s works now runs Feb. 11–20.
Either – Left Edge Theatre in Santa Rosa
The U.S. premiere of Ruby Thomas’s new play about relationships is now scheduled for Feb. 11–20.
The Glass Menagerie – Main Stage West in Sebastopol
The Tennessee Williams classic will now run Feb. 11–25.
Master Class – Sonoma Arts Live in Sonoma
Diva Maria Callas will be left waiting till Feb. 11–27.
Hair – 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa
The self-proclaimed American Tribal Love-Rock Musical has rescheduled its opening for Feb. 12.
The Legend of Georgia McBride – 6th Street Playhouse
This homage to the drag queens who mentored the playwright is now scheduled for Feb. 17–March 20.
The Music Man – Spreckels Theatre Company in Rohnert Park
The quintessential all-American musical has been postponed until the Fall of ’22.
The Who’s Tommy – Novato Theater Company in Novato
“We’re Not Gonna Take It” may be this show’s motto after experiencing its second postponement after a single preview performance in March of 2020. The new opening date is TBD.
