Broadway Is Back With Some of Its Greatest Hits
After 18 long months of silence, Broadway is back in business with powerhouse shows like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King, among others. With proper precautions and new safety protocols, all 41 Broadway theaters are now cleared to reopen.
New regulations state that all patrons intending to watch any productions being shown must have proof of full vaccination with an FDA- or WHO-authorized vaccine. All ticket holders are also required to wear masks at all times within the venue, and food and drink can only be consumed in designated areas.
I used to think this sight would never get old. Now I know it won’t. #Broadway pic.twitter.com/YC1ChnCyLZ
— Ilana Keller (@IlanaKeller) September 17, 2021
Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin talks about the future of Broadway as we know it, reassuring audiences that “Broadway will be here for hundreds of years, and it will continue to be here.” It’s no shock that the theater is an integral part of New York City’s vibrant culture, and St. Martin wholeheartedly agrees. “When Broadway returns, New York returns.”
The industry itself is responsible for billions of dollars worth of revenue for the city every year. Still, due to the nature of the venues and the high production costs, Broadway was unable to reopen even at a reduced capacity.
But now they’re back and ready to bring “all that jazz” back to audiences that have been waiting at the edge of their seats. Some of the first Broadway shows to resume production included Springsteen, Pass Over, Hadestown, and Waitress, with plenty of other shows set to re-open in the next few weeks.
With some of Broadway’s greatest shows coming back to the stage, fans are ecstatic, but they’re not the only ones reveling in this return.
The look of pure happiness and gratitude. Broadway’s back! pic.twitter.com/XIVavBBkNi
— Daisy Violet (@DaisyViolet18) September 15, 2021
The Lion King, Hamilton, and Wicked all chose to reopen together after September 14 was picked as the day Broadway could begin welcoming back audiences at total capacity by previous Governor, Andrew Cuomo. The three shows are significant contributors to Broadway’s modern success, and fans and industry professionals alike can’t wait to get the ball rolling again.
I can’t believe we’re here. in New York. seeing Hamilton. Welcome back, Broadway. @HamiltonMusical @Lin_Manuel #broadway #hamilton pic.twitter.com/TEk7vOEBY0
— Amie Costello 🦆 (@amiecostello) September 15, 2021
With all this excitement and anticipation, audiences can breathe easier, even if it’s behind a mask. The precautions now in place offer a safer environment for audiences to enjoy the spectacular performances and, in the words of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, “hear a story told in the dark and experience catharsis.”
Content Writer | Journalist
