CHICAGO: Raven Theatre has announced an adjusted 2020-21 season, canceling the season opening production of Inherit the Wind and delaying the start of the season until February 2021. The changes also include moving the world premiere of Joshua Allen’s The Last Pair of Earlies to Raven’s 2021-22 season.

“While we are going to miss welcoming artists and patrons into our theatre this fall, we understand the risk associated with gathering and are prepared to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said artistic director Cody Estle in a statement. “We will use the next few months to review CDC recommendations and government guidelines to develop a plan for a safe and successful reopening in the winter of 2021.”

The adjusted season will open with Jonathan Harvey’s Beautiful Thing (Feb. 11-March 28, 2021), directed by Mikael Burke, about two boys finding solace and understanding in each other when they can’t find elsewhere.

Replacing The Last Pair of Earlies will be the the world premiere of Eden Prairies, 1971 (May 6-June 20, 2021), by Mat Smart, which was originally planned to cap Raven’s 2019-20 season before COVID-19 closures. Henry Wishcamper will direct this story about a man’s 300-mile walk home from Canada, risking arrest to deliver a message to an old friend.

Closing out the shortened season will be Melissa Ross’s The Luckiest (June 17-Aug. 1, 2021). Estle will direct this story about Lissette, who receives a diagnosis that shatters her world and leaves her at odds with her mom and her best friend.

Raven has also scheduled the world premiere of Joshua Allen’s The Last Pair of Earlies for Sept. 30-Nov. 14, 2021 as part of its 2021-22 season. Tyla Abercrumbie is scheduled to direct.

Founded in 1983, Raven Theatre presents world premiere productions and revivals of classic plays.