Rainbow Stage cancels Saturday matinee due to wildfire smoke

Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg. (Source: Rainbow Stage/Facebook)

Rainbow Stage has cancelled its Saturday afternoon performance of Rock of Ages due to poor air quality caused by ongoing wildfires in Manitoba.

The open-air theatre announced the cancellation Saturday morning, citing concerns for the health and safety of its cast, crew, staff, and audience members.

“We have been monitoring the air quality index closely and, unfortunately, we must cancel our matinee performance,” the company said in a statement. “Everyone here at Rainbow Stage is equally disappointed to be in this position.”

Ticket holders for the 2 p.m. show on Saturday are being offered the option to attend the evening performance at 7:30 p.m. instead. Those unable to attend will be eligible for a refund.

Rainbow Stage is asking patrons to be patient with box office staff as they work to accommodate hundreds of rescheduling requests.

The company said it is hopeful the evening show will go ahead as planned, with forecasts suggesting improved air quality later in the day.

“As an open-air theatre, this is now, regrettably, one of the many nature-related challenges that we face,” the statement read. “We are thinking of those who are directly affected by the wildfires in our province.”