Harris Theatre Chicago closed till March 6 due to fire

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Press release from the Harris:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2014

HARRIS THEATER TO REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH

MARCH 6 FOR ELECTRICAL REPAIRS Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Chicago Opera Theater, and the Joffrey Academy of Dance all working on possible rescheduling for this season at the Harris

CHICAGO (February 20, 2014) The Harris Theater for Music and Dance will remain closed through Thursday, March 6 to repair damaged operational and mechanical equipment caused by an electrical fire that occurred yesterday afternoon. Patrons will be contacted by a Harris Theater representative with further information regarding ticket purchases and upcoming performances.

A plan is currently underway to reschedule performances at the Harris this season for Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Chicago Opera Theaters Queenie Pie, and the Joffrey Academy of Dance Choreographers of Color Awards. Working details on that plan are currently being formulated and the Theater will have further announcements shortly.

Music of the Baroque, which was scheduled to perform a program entitled Handel and BachItalian Style at the Harris on Monday, March 3, is in the process of determining whether the concert can be moved to another venue, as it cannot be rescheduled, or will have to be cancelled. The groups Sunday, March 2, performance of the same program will go forward as planned at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.

Earlier today, safety officials confirmed that no structural damage occurred inside or outside the Theater. Officials also outlined a two-week timeline for repair, accounting for the proper installation and inspection of newly acquired electrical equipment. The Harris Theater is expected to be fully operational by March 6.

Michael Tiknis, President and Managing Director of the Harris Theater, added: We remain in a state of sadness over the loss of the performances of the Hamburg Ballet. But we are confident that repairs to the Theater can be made, and schedules altered in a way that will maintain the majority, if not all, of those that have been affected by this serious electrical malfunction.