New York’s Broadway theaters shut down last year on March 12, 2020, and have remained closed with no sense of when they will reopen. But that’s about to change. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that theaters can reopen on September 14 at 100 percent capacity. Tickets can go on sale this Thursday.
The Broadway theater industry employs 97,000 people, all of whom have been out of work since the shutdown more than a year ago, and theaters have lost a year of ticket sale revenue.
“Broadway is at the core of our New York identity, and a big part of our economy which employees countless performers and show creators, and beginning this September, the show will go on,” says Cuomo. “Visitors from all around the world have come to New York to experience the arts and culture and see iconic performances on Broadway, and sadly, the pandemic put this unique New York experience on pause. Thankfully, as we continue to monitor the data and reopen our economy, we are now on track to allow full capacity performances on Broadway to resume beginning this September, bringing back this beloved world-famous attraction.”
https://twitter.com/NYGovCuomo/status/1389976617028571136
It’s unclear still which shows will be reopening in September, but The New York Times says that three big shows, Hamilton, the Lion King and Wicked, are planning to announce their reopening days jointly soon. And other musicals, like Chicago, American Utopia, Aladdin and Come From Away are hopeful about a September date.
Details about what will be required are also still unclear, such as if masks will be worn, if ticket holders will need vaccinations or if shows will be resuming the eight show a week schedule. More information should come closer to the fall. We can’t wait for the curtain call!
