Important Announcement Regarding GOD HELP US!
Dear Cedar Rapids Theatre Community:
It is with great sadness and disappointment that I announce the cancellation of the RHCR Theatre show, “God Help Us” which was to take place June 3, 4 & 5 at the Kennedy High School Center for Performing Arts. The show producer made the tough decision Thursday afternoon after being faced with low ticket sales and rising COVID-19 cases in the state, that traveling to Cedar Rapids at this time wasn’t a good idea.
Unfortunately, this was not the 1st time this planned show has been canceled. Originally, the show was to be performed in September of 2021. Four weeks before the opening, the actor starring as God, Ed Asner, suddenly passed away. Our hearts went out to Ed’s family and friends during that difficult time and the show was put on pause. We were able to reschedule for this most recent time due to the generosity of actor Gregory Harrison’s willingness to step into to the role left vacated by Mr. Asner.
RHCR Theatre was very excited to welcome Mr. Harrison, director Mitch Levine, and producer Liza Asner to our community. Cedar Rapids is a vibrant arts community that many people are unaware of and we were excited to show off all that we have to offer. The pandemic is NOT over, no matter what some may think. The hospitalization and death rates have declined but the infection rates are climbing again. Safety to our cast, crew and patrons is still of utmost importance to us at RHCR. Being vaccinated and boosted is no protection against getting this virus. Members of our production team and Board of Directors are in recovery right now (all of them vaccinated & boosted). We wish for a speedy recovery to them and to all who have dealt with this nasty virus.
As always, we appreciate the community support for our “little theater”. We have enjoyed creating & bringing art to the stage in Cedar Rapids since 2013. We have had many corporate sponsors over the years but two have been there with us every season, for almost every show. We want to thank Skogman Companies & Cost Cutters for their continued support. Without them, there would be no RHCR Theatre. Media sponsors KCCK Radio, KMRY Radio, KZIA Z102.9 radio, and KCRG have been great partners in trying to get the word out about our shows. We can’t thank you enough.
All tickets previously purchased will be refunded through Eventbrite.
Finally, thank you to the RHCR Production team who has worked tirelessly TWICE to try to bring this show to the stage. Without their efforts, it wouldn’t even be possible. Thanks also to the local actors, Duane Larson & Valerie Davine, for all of their efforts to memorize and bring life to the other characters in the show, Larry and Randi. I am sorry all of your hard work and dedication didn’t pay off. I apologize again for canceling this show. I know how much some of you were looking forward to seeing it, I was too.
Matt Ford
RHCR Executive Director/Founder