Shows on hold, but learning continues at Mon River Arts

By CHRISTINE HAINES

chaines@yourmvi.com

Creativity is at the heart of Mon River Arts, so it’s no surprise that creativity is keeping the nonprofit organization going during this time of social distancing.

The group, which makes its home in a storefront on Plum Street in Elizabeth and performs around the corner at Grand Theatre, is currently holding its drama and dance classes virtually. Students and teachers gather via Zoom meetings to sing, act and dance together.

“We are continuing our mission that arts and culture be supported in the Mon Valley,” said Jason Berman, production manager at Mon River Arts. “We’re trying to survive in this new circumstance that’s come to us.”

The most recent stage performance, “Mary Poppins Jr.,” had to be cut short by a day. Berman said the last performance was to have been March 24, but the group realized that for the sake of public safety, it had to be canceled. The next show, “Matilda,” was set to open in May, but has been delayed until June because of the current stay-at-home order.

“But last week we realized we couldn’t do that either,” Berman said. “We were doing Zoom rehearsals. We thought that would be far enough out and government would have a handle on this and let us know how to keep our audiences and casts safe.”

To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Wedneesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.