Breakthrough COVID Cases Close “Aladdin” for Ten Days
After a turbulent week, the cast and crew of “Aladdin” on Broadway closed the show for the next ten days due to a series of breakthrough COVID cases. The show re-opened for the first time since its pandemic related closure in March 2020 on Tuesday. Subsequently, they cancelled Wednesday night’s performance due to cast members testing positive before performing on Thursday. The longer closure was announced on Friday prior to the day’s shows.
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Important information regarding performances of ALADDIN on Broadway. pic.twitter.com/onaMiDoI9b
— Aladdin the Musical (@aladdin) October 1, 2021
“Beacuse the wellness and safety of our guests, cast, and crew remain our top priority, we feel the prudent decision is to cancel performances starting tonight, Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 10th. Our next planned performance is Tuesday, Oct 12th at 7pm,” the show posted on their Twitter account.
Understandably, fans were disappointed, but refunds were issued prompty to ticketholders.
Since Broadway’s reopening three weeks ago, Disney Theatrical has strictly followed both the rules from the Actors Equity group as well as New York City’s reopening guidelines. “The Lion King” has not suffered a closure yet, so hopefully, the longer break will allow “Aladdin” to return without interruption later this month.
Currently, all theatre patrons, cast and crew must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Also, cast and crew receive multiple COVID tests a week to watch for breakthrough cases, such a this. All audience members must wear a mask throughout the performance unless eating or drinking.
Hopefully, the genie can work a little magic (and not get too big of a crink in the neck) over the next few days as the impacted cast and crew recover and the show awaits its return to the stage.