Wisconsin Ballet Forced To Cancel Final ‘Nutcracker’ Performances Due To COVID-19

The Madison Ballet canceled their final performances of “The Nutcracker” due to COVID-19 cases, WISC-TV reported.

Ballet officials said in a Facebook statement that it was a difficult decision to cancel the final shows, but it did so for the health and safety of its performers and audience members.

“Despite the incredible efforts of the organization and Overture Center for the Arts to ensure the safety of the public and artists, the current situation has forced us to make this difficult decision for the health of our community,” the company said in its release.

The Madison Ballet performed four shows earlier this month for an audience of Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy, according to WISC-TV.

According to The Associated Press, attendees to previous presentations were required to follow a mask mandate and show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test with a photo ID.

The United States is currently grappling with a winter surge in COVID-19 infections as the omicron variant has taken hold across the country.

The Biden administration announced last week that a nationwide program will begin in January that will distribute free home test kits to citizens who request them.

All ticket buyers affected by canceled shows will be able to receive a full refund, WISC-TV noted.