By Randi Bjornstad

In almost a century of bringing plays to the community theater stage, The Very Little Theatre has never had to bring down the curtain without finishing a season, but these are unusual times: Amidst the uncertainties of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, The VLT has announced cancellation of the remainder  of its 91st season.

Karen Scheeland, president of the theater’s board of directors, announced the closure in an April 28 memo.

That means that four plays on the theatrical calendar — Little Women the Musical (originally scheduled for March 13-28), Cat Lady (April 17-26 in the Stage Left space), The Diary of Anne Frank (May 8-23), and The Ladies of the Camellias (July 24-Aug. 8) — will not be performed as originally planned.

However, that doesn’t mean these plays will not be staged eventually.

“When it is safe to open our doors again, we will bring the curtains up on Little Women the Musical, which was rehearsed and ready to go into production on March 13,” Scheeland said. “(And) we intend to produce the other plays meant for our 91st season at a later date, when we hope to see you back at The VLT.”

Those who held tickets for any of these shows have three ways to receive credit for them:

  • Forever Credit — a gift certificate attached to season ticket accounts or other tickets already issued;
  • Donation to The VLT — a tax-deductible contribution that can be applied to theater operations or The VLT’s building fund;
  • Refund check — made to cover the cost of already purchased tickets or remaining tickets on a season pass.

During the hiatus from producing these already-scheduled plays, the board of directors will continue to monitor the business of the theater, and The VLT’s capital campaign committee will continue its efforts toward a major remodel and expansion of the theater’s facility at 2350 Hilyard St. in Eugene.

“We are committed to coming out of these unprecedented times stronger than before and welcome your support in doing so,” the Scheeland message said. “By donating to either our building remodel or our general operating fund you help us continue a long tradition of community theater.”

For ticket and season-pass holders, refunds or donations may be completed by leaving a message The VLT box office at 541-344-7751 or emailing the theater at boxoffice@thevlt.com.