Theater fans will have to wait until at least sometime next year to resume attending live Broadway performances.
The Broadway League announced on Monday that they have suspended performances in New York City through the remainder of 2020 due to COVID-19. As a result, Broadway theaters are offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for all performances through Jan. 3, 2021. Previously, officials suspended all performances through Sept. 6 of this year.
“The Broadway League continues to work with city and state officials as well as leaders in science, technology, and medicine to formulate the best plan to restart the industry,” a press release reads. “Some of the logistics being currently reviewed for audience members and employees include: screening and testing, cleaning and sanitizing, wayfinding inside theaters, backstage protocols, and much more.”
As it stands, Broadway officials project returning productions to resume over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Therefore, tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For regular updates on ticket sales, individual show announcements, performance dates, and more, visit Broadway.org.
“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Thomas Schumacher, board chairman of the Broadway League. “The alchemy of 1,000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses. Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience. The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority.” Therefore, “we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”
Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, said: “Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening. We are focused on identifying and implementing necessary measures that will enable us to resume performances safely for Broadway audiences and employees. We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so. As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time – ‘We’ll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell.'”
Those holding tickets for performances through Jan. 3 will receive an e-mail. It will include detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. If you haven’t received an e-mail by July 13, contact your ticket salesperson for assistance after this date.
Due to the pandemic, Broadway officials suspended performances on March 12. At that time, 31 productions were running. That included eight new shows in previews. Additionally, eight productions were in rehearsals, preparing to open in the spring.
For information about upcoming touring show dates, visit https://tourstoyou.org.