This from our friend, publicist Tim Swope:
As a friend and supporter of the Folger Shakespeare Library and Folger Theatre, we wanted you to be among the first to know that a small fire broke out in the theater on Saturday morning. It was quickly discovered and safely contained and extinguished by Folger staff and the DC Fire Department.
After clean-up, there will be no lasting damage to our landmark building. The Folger’s collection of rare books and materials—including the world’s largest Shakespeare collection—was not affected.
Folger Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, now in rehearsal, will postpone its first performances by about a week. Ticketholders for shows October 19 through October 23 will be contacted by Folger staff in the coming days to reschedule their tickets. Press and Opening Nights will also be affected.
“We feel very fortunate that the fire at the Folger this morning was confined and that everyone and everything under our care are safe,” noted Director Gail Kern Paster. “We will reopen on Monday and look forward to seeing all of you at the Folger in the coming weeks.”
Dated Oct 15, 2006