Broadway’s Back
It’s time to once again feel the magic of live theater!
There is a certain rush when witnessing a live performance in the city that never sleeps. Stepping into a historical theater, feeling the common excitement and buzz of humans gathering in one place to experience one of the most powerful and impactful celebrations of music, dance, and pure bliss. Those who enjoy live theater know exactly what that feels like. The anticipation in the moment just before the lights go down, and the honor when the talented actors take their worthy bows. Those who know and adore this experience, have felt a missing place in their life where Broadway once filled a spot. There has never, in the history of Broadway, been a time the lights were dimmed for more than a few days, or a month at max. Even through wars, and political unrest Broadway remained bright. This Covid-19 pandemic was the first to ever shut down the theaters for this length of time, and leave those who love it, with a Broadway shaped hole in their hearts. Now it is back, and although some things look different, we can finally gather in those hallowed halls once again and experience the magic of Broadway.
Broadway shows have been truly one of the last events to re-open since the pandemic. While movie theaters, or sporting events, were re-opening in some capacity all the way back in 2020, Broadway remained quiet until some shows began their run again in September of this year, 2021. It has been a slow process with certainly a few bumps along the way. Shows have gradually re-opened while several have yet to start again. Some shows that are up and running include, Wicked, Moulin Rouge, Hamilton, The Lion King, Six, Hadestown, and Tina the Tina Turner Musical. While the show Aladdin also re-opened back in September, it had to once again shut down for two weeks until October 12, following a Covid-19 outbreak in its company. While these shows are up and running, there are several iconic, beloved shows yet to open until November and December, like The Phantom of the Opera, Come from Away, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Book or Mormon. Till then we must patiently wait to witness some of our favorite characters once again lighting up a dark Broadway theater.
For those shows that are open and running, they look slightly different than they did before, and there are some details to know before enthusiastically entering a Broadway theater. First, proof of vaccination is required upon entry, as are most indoor activities in New York City. Masks are required to be worn at all times indoors, and while watching the show. It is also important to know that if you would like to purchase Elphaba’s Green Elixir cocktail, it must be consumed along with all other snacks outside of the theater during intermission, or before the show begins. The positive is you will no longer have that person loudly crumpling their candy wrapper in your ear.
While these adjustments feel different and not at all like we are used to, there is one thing that remains intact. That is the magic that you witness before your eyes upon that stage. No mask, or lack of refreshments, can take that away. It is as strong and beautiful as ever, and we can all take a sigh of relief knowing that hole that was empty for the last year and a half, is filled with just as much brilliance, and genius as we remembered!
