MIAMI – The Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami initially said its show must go on, despite growing concerns about the coronavirus pandemic, but Miami-Dade County announced Friday that all theaters in the county would be closed immediately as a precaution.
The center notified patrons by email Thursday night that this weekend’s performances of “Hamilton” would continue as planned with no refunds.
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One of the actors in the performance called that decision “disgraceful,” since audiences are generally full of older people who are most at risk of severe illness.
One patron who planned to attend one of this weekend’s “Hamilton” performances told Local 10 News that they are currently caring for a sickly relative and were outraged that the Arsht Center was not providing refunds at the time to those who wished to skip out on the performance as a precaution.
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The Arsht Center said performances will now be suspended through April 5.
Below are the following options for affected ticketholders:
- Exchange tickets for an alternate show
- Exchange your tickets for an Arsht Center gift certificate
- Donate your tickets and receive a tax deduction for the total ticket value
- Receive a refund
Other theaters in Miami-Dade County that are now closed include the Miami-Dade County Auditorium and South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.
“Miami-Dade County is considering a more comprehensive list of arts, cultural and community venues and indoor gathering places that may be required to close,” the county said in a news release.
Elsewhere in Florida and across the country, sports leagues, theme parks and even Broadway announced they’re shutting down.