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    Massachusetts Forces Two Theaters to Reduce Seating Capacity

    Two closely watched summer theater productions — the first in the U.S. with union actors since the coronavirus pandemic exploded — are being required to reduce their seating capacity to comply with changing local regulations.Productions of “Godspell” at Berkshire Theater Group and “Harry Clarke” at Barrington Stage Company will each allow only 50 people to be present — down from 100 — after the state of Massachusetts rolled back its reopening protocols in an effort to slow the spread of the disease.“They reached out to us right away, and although they wanted an exception to the revised order, they realized they had to come into compliance, so they’re bringing their numbers down to 50,” said Gina Armstrong, the director of public health in Pittsfield, Mass., where both productions are taking place.The productions, which began performances last week, are taking place outdoors, under tents, in the Berkshires region of Western Massachusetts. In each case, performers are regularly tested for the virus; audience members must wear masks and have temperature checks.The productions were the first permitted by Actors’ Equity, the labor union representing performers and stage managers, during the pandemic. The union has since also agreed to allow its members to return to work at Disney World and to participate in the Netflix filming of a Broadway musical, “Diana” (with no audience present).When it became clear that it would have to reduce capacity, Berkshire Theater Group halted all future sales for “Godspell” and began trying to rebook some ticket holders. The theater is also exploring whether to add a performance or two before the show closes Sept. 4.Both productions were already expected to run at a loss; the reduced capacity will exacerbate that.“We are cooperating fully and faithfully with local and state health authorities, under whose direction we are reshuffling audiences to meet the latest reduction in capacity order,” Nick Paleologos, the executive director of the theater, said in a statement. “In addition, we continue to comply with the strictest of safety protocols which include: temperature checks, regular testing, contact tracing, masks, social distancing, sanitizer, and surface disinfection.”Julianne Boyd, the artistic director at Barrington Stage, said she is also cutting back capacity for “Harry Clarke,” a one-person show which ends its run Sunday. “We have to reduce our audiences to 50 — that’s what the governor said, and we’ll do it,” she said. She said she is still trying to figure out how the rules will affect two outdoor concerts she has planned later this month. More

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    Kamala Harris as V.P. Pick Could Mean More Maya Rudolph on ‘S.N.L.’

    As a nation unpacks the political ripples of Kamala Harris’s selection on Tuesday as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, at least one sizable constituency could stand to benefit: those who enjoyed Maya Rudolph’s star appearances as the California senator on “Saturday Night Live.”The former “S.N.L.” cast member shined in three guest appearances lampooning the Democratic primaries, depicting Harris as a “fun aunt” who “will give you weed, but then arrest you for having weed.” The performances earned Rudolph an Emmy nomination for guest actress in a comedy series and an approving tweet from Harris herself.Rudolph, who was in the cast of “S.N.L.” on NBC from 2000 to 2007, was in the middle of recording an “Entertainment Weekly” panel discussion on Tuesday when Harris was announced as Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s pick. She did not commit to playing Harris when “S.N.L.” returns for its scheduled 46th season in the fall, but seemed intrigued by the idea.“I love going to the show,” Rudolph said. “Any excuse I can get, I love.”“I just didn’t really anticipate traveling during a pandemic, but if there’s anyone that can work it out, I’m sure Lorne has some sort of invisible helicopter that can get me there,” she added, referring to Lorne Michaels, the creator and executive producer of “S.N.L.”Over the three appearances, Rudolph presented Harris as thirsty for a viral moment, desperately trying to reclaim the buzz from her well-received attack on Biden over segregation and busing in the first Democratic primary debate. In the third appearance, after Harris had dropped out of the race, Rudolph’s character crashed the debate stage, playing the part of an I’m-so-over-it ex with a martini in hand.“I just want to show you how good you could’ve had it, America,” she said.Harris appeared to have little problem with the impersonation. In October, before she dropped out of the race, she told MSNBC, “I plan on keeping Maya Rudolph in work for the next eight years.”In September, she tweeted a GIF of Rudolph after the sketch depicted her as overusing the memorable “That girl was me” line from her debate showdown with Biden.“S.N.L.” suspended its season in March because of the coronavirus, and the series has no set date for its return in the fall. More