The Great White Way will shine again. And an eager, informed audience will help in its return.
Today (May 11) on "Good Morning America," cast members from shows Hamilton, Wicked and The Lion King announced a Sept. 14 restart of performances. The news comes after theaters darkened for the past year due to COVID-19.
Because Broadway caters not only to New York City residents, but global tourists as well, the reveal on the morning show demonstrates a commitment to working to safely welcome back theatergoers. Also, showcasing stars from three different casts, which in pre-pandemic times competed for audience share, provides a strong, cohesive message that everyone is working toward the same goals.
Show backers shared this intent in a press release.
“This rare alliance between three of Broadway’s fan favorites sends a message that Broadway is united in its commitment to ending a devastating period of hardship for the tens of thousands who make their living directly on Broadway shows and the tens of thousands in dependent industries.”
A Safety Alliance
The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, supports government and media relations for the theaters as well as its 700-plus membership. Theatergoers can find information regarding ticketing and the process for returning to shows on Broadwayleague.com and Broadway.org, as well as information.
The Broadway League also explained its work with New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in several press releases posted on the site. It announced its reasoning for resuming ticket sales through its work with the state government.
“We are thrilled that Governor Cuomo clearly recognizes the impact of Broadway’s return on the city and state’s economy and the complexity of restarting an entire industry that has been dormant for over a year,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “Nothing beats Broadway. The theatre owners, producers, and other League members will continue to work with the NY State Department of Health and the Governor to coordinate the industry’s return and the related health and safety protocols required to do so. We remain cautiously optimistic about Broadway’s ability to resume performances this fall and are happy that fans can start buying tickets again.”
The commitment to health and safety can provide theatergoers with confidence in ticket purchases, and that the theater community is making it does everything it can to provide a safe environment upon return.
A Standing Ovation
Needless to say, theater-lovers shared their joy on social media today, spreading the excitement of live entertainment returning.
only two weeks into reopenings and i've already bought 2 broadway tickets and 10 concert tickets citibanks about to send a cease and desist
— James Dennin (@JamesFDennin) May 11, 2021
Bought Broadway tickets today. Might have cried when I hit purchase.
— Hitha Palepu (@HithaPalepu) May 11, 2021
...@WICKED_Musical Just sold actual tickets today! It’s actually happening! This is real. Broadway is happening again. ❤️❤️❤️
— Christy Altomare (@ChristyAltomare) May 11, 2021
However, even with the thrill of live performance on the horizon, we’ll never forget the Ratatouille Tik Tok musical that entertained us during some of the hardest months of COVID. Thank you, Tituss Burgess.
Nicole Schuman is senior editor for PRNEWS. Follow her @buffalogal