The sub-prime arts scene

Everywhere you look these days, you can see the impact of the faltering economy on the arts scene. A few weeks back, Boston Theatreworks cancelled their upcoming production of The Crucible. Meanwhile local galleries are in turmoil, with several moves and closings imminent (not all, at least according to the proprietors, due to economic pressures, but it's hard to believe said pressures aren't playing a part in all the flux). The Boston Ballet announced not long ago that it would be cutting dancers from its roster, and just today came the news it will be relocating to the Opera House permanently - which leaves the struggling CitiCenter without a major tenant. And there's talk of the Wilbur next door becoming a comedy club. Meanwhile, has anyone noticed that for the first time in recent history, the BSO has been offering half-price tickets and other discounts? And of course there's ongoing chop at the A.R.T., which still lacks an Artistic Director. Fasten your seatbelts, arts lovers - our cultural renaissance seems poised for a major retrenchment!