Broadway reopens in New York City
Performances at Broadway theaters were suspended shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, those who love nothing better than attending a show on Broadway are finally getting some good news. After more than a year, the shows will be reopening in September, 2021.
Governor Andrew Cuomo recently announced that Broadway theaters are opening again and tickets went on sale from May 6 for shows that open on September 14. Even better, the shows will be available at 100 percent capacity, meaning there is more chance of booking a ticket for your favorite show.
New York City gradually opens its famous attractions
New York City is known as one of the world’s greatest centers for entertainment, arts and culture. After more than a year of the pandemic, the city has slowly begun reopening its attractions. These include the Guggenheim Art Gallery, the Bronx Zoo and the Museum of Natural History.
Prior to the latest announcement, performing arts and live entertainment venues reopened at limited capacities in April. Now, Broadway shows are reopening from September 14 with 100 percent capacity.
Governor Cuomo recently made a statement, saying, “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,” Cuomo added.
Health and Safety protocols
It is important to note that plenty of work needs to be done ahead of the September reopening, to ensure health and safety protocols are firmly in place. This means ensuring safe environments for performers, audiences and employees. Should a performance need to be postponed due to public health conditions, Broadway theaters have plans in place to offer customer-friendly refunds and exchanges.
Actors Equity spokesperson, Brandon Lorenz, told Fox 5 that rehearsal time is needed in order for actors and especially dancers to get ready to work again. “That is very difficult athletic work,” he said. “And normally the dancers on Broadway, when they’re actively working on a show, they’re working out, they’re staying in shape, training on a regular basis. All of that is much more difficult due to the pandemic.”
Sara Bareilles, composer and lyrist for the Broadway musical Waitress, said the announcement is the news the Broadway community and its fans have been waiting for. “It’s time to get back to work, and I can’t wait to be back on stage very soon,” Bareilles said in a statement. “Nothing beats Broadway and it’s coming back stronger than ever.”
Find out more about individual show and performance announcements, as well as ticket sales on Broadway’s official website.
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