Broadway Back In The Limelight Soon?
Fans may soon be able to give their regards in person…
Western New York-born band “The Goo Goo Dolls” frontman Johnny Rzeznik once sang, “Broadway’s dark tonight…”
The Goo Goo Dolls. Image: WKBW
But that sentiment, at least in New York City (instead of Rzeznik’s home of Buffalo), may “soon” be moot.
Governor Cuomo of New York State will soon lift current restrictions on “The Great White Way” so that, in theory, production could begin anew.
Cuomo Talks Capacity
In New York City giving a COVID update and making an announcement. Watch live: https://t.co/y2mtbDaQVJ
— Archive: Governor Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) May 3, 2021
Playbill.com’s Ryan McPhee reported:
Image: Playbill.com
New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced May 3 that the tri-state area—including New York City and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut—will end most capacity restrictions beginning May 19 as COVID-19 vaccination rates continue to rise.
That said, Playbill, perhaps the most recognized Broadway resource, explained, “The lift allows businesses such as retail shops, restaurants, gyms, salons, and more to fully reopen. [And] he most notable, if misleading, inclusion is Broadway theatres.
Image: Disney
Cuomo says that ‘from a capacity point of view,’ Broadway can reopen on that date while noting that productions wouldn’t necessarily be able to align the myriad moving parts that go into mounting a new show or resuming a long-running staging in that timeframe.
“[However] optimistic Broadway insiders are eyeing a fall comeback,” added McPhee.
Good News From The Tri-State Area
Strictly speaking, having the Tri-State area (does anyone think of Doof when you see that phrase?) in accord around the issue of capacity is a big deal and would allow New York City to get behind a more comprehensive opening plan.
However, it makes sense for fans to temper their expectations in the meantime, even as Broadway (as an industry) expresses excitement.
Image: AladdinTheMusical.com
“We applaud the Governor’s recent announcement easing capacity limits on performance venues in New York State,” said The Broadway League in a statement posted by Deadline. “We are encouraged by this good news, which is a long-awaited indication that New York is truly on the road to recovery. We look forward to reopening at full capacity and are working to safely welcome audiences and employees back to Broadway theatres this fall.”
Image: Disney on Broadway
“As always, we continue to work closely with our elected officials and will share more information as soon as plans become finalized.”
So, although many are saying, “get the show on the road,” we still need to wait out this indefinite intermission.
Image: Adventures by Disney
Feature Image: Disney on Broadway
