When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world with its grisly strike in the spring of 2020, Broadway – the heart of the American theatrical world – shut down. As the city’s core culture and identity, Broadway’s impact extended to the New York economy. With its abrupt shutdown, actors, costume designers, production managers, cleaners, and even restaurants and hotels all around New York City were forced to make huge adjustments to their daily life.

    Some lost their jobs. More struggled to maintain their source of income. All were unsure of their and Broadway’s future.

    Broadway’s absence also seemed to change New York’s dynamic internally – the once busy city that waits for no one became hauntingly quiet. For New Yorkers, this bizarre experience is comparable to having to wake up in a post-apocalyptic world. Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League, shared, “It was very sad, very scary, heartbreaking.”

    It was as though the city had lost its essence.

    Thought to be the temporary testament to Broadway’s iconic slogan, “the show must go on”, the pandemic significantly prolonged its absence, marking the longest break Broadway had ever had. Now after 18 months since its shutdown and increased vaccination rates coupled with a fall in COVID infection rates, there’s hope that the lights will soon light up Broadway again.

    In fact, many shows are planning on their long-awaited return this fall. As the theatre world cautiously and optimistically rebounds from the pandemic’s turmoil, you should expect to see more productions start. Get ready to buy new tickets!

    Shows with tickets on sale now:

– Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
– Chicago
– Diana
– Jagged Little Pill
– The Phantom of the Opera
– Six

Sources:

https://abc7ny.com/broadway-new-york-city-entertainment-theater-capacity-returns/10588593/
https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/broadway/ny-broadway-closed-march-12-dark-phantom-tina-20210312-gvxfmtf7tbdsxpex7olwslp7ga-story.html
https://ew.com/theater/all-broadway-shows-reopening-fall/