Compass Players Cancels 2019 Season Following Untimely Death Of Founder Jeanna Michaels

Following the sudden and untimely death of founder and Producing Artistic Director Jeanna Michaels, the Compass Players board of directors has voted to cancel the 2019 season and suspend operations.

"We are all deeply saddened by Jeanna's passing," said founding member Dave Golden. "She was the inspiration and driving force behind Compass Players and will be missed on so many levels."

Michaels passed away on May 23 after a brief battle with lymphoma.

Golden said "we will address the future of Compass Players during the summer, at which time we'll decide how or whether to move forward. For now, our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanna's husband, Steve, and their family."

Compass Players, which performed at TheaterWorks at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, completed its second three-play season in March with the world premiere of Cynthia J. Cohen's romantic comedy, West Palm Prime. Michaels had been developing the schedule for the 2019 season when she became ill.

"We are truly grateful to the community for its overwhelmingly positive response to our shows the past two years," he said.

For more information, visit www.compassplayers.com.