Beverly's North Shore Music Theatre Gets Creative With Face Masks

BEVERLY, MA — As Beverly's North Shore Music Theatre plans its reopening for performances for the first time in the 18 months of the coronavirus crisis, the venue is putting in place several COVID-related protocols it hopes will allow it to keep its doors open throughout the fall and winter.

And have a little added fun in the process.

The theater said this week that in light of the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, masks will be required to be worn over the nose and mouth for all patrons — regardless of vaccination status — while in the lobby and indoors in the theatre.

The only exception is when those masks can be "adjusted" while actively eating or drinking.

But rather than simply have a sea of blue surgical masks and white KN-95s in the audience, the theatre is encouraging patrons to wear their most creative masks and will give out prizes at each performance for masks that best both protect and bedazzle.

"Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe, while celebrating the return of in-person performances," the theatre said.

In addition to the universal mask mandate, the theatre said that all staff, casts and creative teams will be required to be 100 percent vaccinated.

The lobby, concession stands and box office have been modified for coronavirus safety. The theatre encourages the use of mobile and print-at-home tickets. Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout all public spaces at the venue.

Theatre seating will not be socially distanced.

The theatre, which first opened in 1955, has its first show in 18 months scheduled for Sept. 17 with Foreigners Journey. Other notable shows scheduled for this fall into the winter include: "Mama Mia" from Oct. 5 through Oct. 17 and "A Christmas Carol" from Dec. 2 through Dec. 23.

Go here for tickets and more information on the shows.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)