Tampa Theatre going dark through March due to coronavirus

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The Tampa Theatre is going dark due to coronavirus.

The historic downtown venue and movie house has announced it is shutting down all film screenings and live events through March 31, effective immediately.

That includes screenings of Hidden Figures, The Lion King and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; live performances by Brazilian comic Whindersson Nunes and the Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges; speakers like Mae Jemison and Anne Applebaum; and special events like a 35th anniversary screening of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure attended by Paul Reubens.

The theater said it is working to reschedule “as many as the affected dates as possible" with both films and live events. Tickets for postponed events will be good for new show dates; canceled events should offer refunds.

“Tampa Theatre understands that this is a rapidly changing situation, and we will continue to take our cues from health organizations, local officials and our colleagues in the industry,” the theater wrote in a statement. “Decisions about shows in early April and beyond will be made in the coming weeks and shared as they are determined.”

Shows in April and beyond include appearances by author Eilizabeth Gilbert, Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis, comic Sal Vulcano and musician Andrew Bird. Click here for details.

For the latest coronavirus-related cancellations and postponements in Tampa Bay, click here.

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EVENT CANCELLATIONS: Get the latest updates on events planned in the Tampa Bay area in the coming weeks.

PROTECT YOURSELF: Household cleaners can kill the virus on most surfaces, including your phone screen.

BE PREPARED: Guidelines for essentials to keep in your home should you have to stay inside.

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FACE MASKS: They offer some protection, but studies debate their effectiveness.

WORKPLACE RISK: A list of five things employers could be doing to help curb the spread of the disease.

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OTHER CORONAVIRUS WEBSITES:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

• Florida Department of Health

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