by Kevin McLaughlin
After shutting down 18 months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Broadway has finally reopened their shows. Some of the most popular shows, including Hamilton, Wicked, and the Lion King, came back to Broadway on Tuesday, September 14th. All shows are being held at 100% capacity.
As with many things in our world today, restrictions are being put in place. All ticket holders must show proof of a FDA approved vaccine in order to get into the show. Once they get in, masks are required to be worn at all times except when eating or drinking.
Another way Broadway shows are ensuring safety of audience members is opening with staggered start times. Ticket Holders were told what time to arrive at the theater, in order to prevent a large amount of people being packed together in a tight area.
Many musical stars and directors are ecstatic to be back in action. Steven Taylor, who stars as Mufasa in “The Lion King” said, “I think it actually won’t feel real to me until we have an audience in front of us.”
Director Julie Taylor of “The Lion King” said, “I think we all feel extremely excited.” When later asked about feeling comfortable with being in the theatre with such a large audience again, she commented, “I think we can breathe easier even if it’s behind a mask. We can feel relaxed about the fact that it works.”
Since the grand opening of the three major shows, other shows have followed over the past couple of weeks. “Come From Away”, “Moulin Rouge”, and “Aladdin” are all back in action, with many still to come over the coming months.
If you wish to see a show on Broadway, vaccination, as well as compliance to wear a mask, is required. You can get tickets at https://www.broadway.com.
