Fire Forces North Shore Music Theater to Close Until August 23

A fire at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts on July 14, caused by an electrical malfunction, has resulted in a six-week closing of the theater due to extensive heat, smoke, and water damage. No one was injured as the building was empty at the time.

As a result of the fire, the company is postponing its production of Cinderella, which was in previews, until 2006. Other events that will be rescheduled or cancelled include the children’s musicals Rapunzel, Super Scientific Circus, and Peter and the Wolf, as well as concerts by such artists as Kenny Rogers and The Beach Boys.

The theater is expected to re-open on August 23 with the new musical Abyssinia, based on the Joyce Carol Oates novel Marked by Fire, and directed by Stafford Arima. In addition, all Summer Stages programs and workshops for children will continue to operate at North Shore Music Theatre in the Theatre Arts Academy building.

All tickets will be taken as tax-deductible donations, or patrons may get exchanges or refunds. To do so, bring tickets to the box office after July 18, call the 978-232-7200 after July 18, or mail your tickets to NSMT, PO Box 62, Beverly, MA 01915.