Year in Review: Theater productions elevate amid the pandemic struggle

ARTS ATL: Theater in 2021 was especially poignant, for audiences weren’t sure if and when they were going to receive it live and on stage, rather than virtually. Artists sidelined for 18 months returned in earnest to live performance beginning in late summer with new safety protocols, socially- distanced seating and vaccine-card checks at the door. Shows with smaller casts were staged to minimize risk of illness. Trips to the theater may not feel quite normal yet, but audiences are quite grateful.