Buenos Aires Theaters Go Dark for World Cup Match

The roar of the crowd for Argentina's national soccer team is silencing the stages of Buenos Aires. A World Cup match against Cabo Verde, scheduled for Friday evening, has forced a widespread shutdown of the city's vibrant theater scene. Most commercial theaters, including prominent venues like La Plaza, Multiteatro, El Picadero, and Multitabaris, have decided not to open their doors.

With all eyes expected to be on the game in Miami, theater owners recognize the futility of competing for audience attention. Six out of the ten top-grossing shows from the previous week have canceled their Friday performances. Three others have shifted their showtimes, while only one production has opted to proceed with its scheduled performance during the match.

Productions like "Sottovoce," starring Adrián Suar and Carla Peterson, "Hairspray," "Billy Elliot," "El Jefe del jefe," "Anastasia," and "La cena de los tontos" are among those that have "stopped the ball" for the night. Titles such as "Secreto en la montaña" and "La función que sale mal" are also off the playbills.

However, a few brave shows are attempting to play through the soccer fever. The hit musical "Charlie y la fábrica de chocolate" has moved its Friday show to 9:30 PM, hoping to conclude before any potential extra time or penalties. "Desde el jardín," starring Guillermo Francella, and "Una navidad de mierda" will start their performances late, at 10 PM, after the match. "Berlín, Berlín" at the Apolo theater will also commence at 10 PM. Audiences for these late shows may find themselves pre-gaming the performance in nearby bars, catching the soccer action before heading to their seats.