Theater

Like a pebble thrown in a pond, ripples of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have been spreading outward from the East Coast, affecting even the Truckee Meadows theater scene. For Nevada Shakespeare Festival’s Sept. 14-15 premiere of Romeo and Juliet, more than 600 people cancelled their tickets, said NSF Artistic Director Jeanmarie Simpson, and the cancellations have been steady since.

“The reservations haven’t come close to matching the cancellations,” Simpson said. “The American public is not going to the theater.”

Simpson said that the actors have deferred their salaries, and the venue, Piper’s Opera House in Virginia City, has waived the rent. But if theatergoers continue to stay home, NSF may have to cancel its performances for the month of October.

To support NSF—and perhaps enjoy a needed distraction—you can see Romeo and Juliet at 7 p.m. Sept. 27-28 and at 2 p.m. Sept. 30. Tickets are $15-$30, and donations are welcome. Call 847-0600.