After being canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, the long-awaited Blacksmith Opera has been rescheduled for October.

“The Blacksmith” is a two-act French comic opera that has been updated to 19th-century Mancos. It’s being performed by actors and musicians from Opera Lafayette, a professional group based in Washington, D.C., in collaboration with the Mancos Creative District and Mancos Opera House, where it is set to take the stage.

It was originally scheduled for April 30, May 2 and May 3, with the first performance including some student and community musicians. After the Mancos events, the show was to move to new York and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Now, though, the performances have been rescheduled for two performances with professional actors at the Mancos Opera House on Oct. 10 and 11.

“Mancos Creative District is hopeful that this new date will be feasible and that the situation with the COVID virus will allow us to produce this one-of-a-kind event in the Mancos Opera House this year,” said Anne Beach, the district’s executive director. “We know the future of this virus is unknown and the safety of attendees, actors, and musicians always comes first in the Mancos Creative District’s decisions.”

Tickets purchased for the May shows will transfer to the new October dates. Both performances have sold out, but buyers can be placed on a waiting list by emailing anne@mancoscreativedistrict.com.

Current ticket-holders may request a refund, but the Creative District asks that ticket buyers consider donating the purchase.

“During these difficult times, this donation will help the Mancos Creative District weather the storm and be able to emerge ready to continue to offer exciting arts opportunities such as this in the future,” Beach said.

ealvero@the-journal.com