Biden just announced there will be enough vaccines for every American adult by May.
Anyone else think this might speed up the opening of Broadway? Maybe by the Fall?
the fall is what we have been anticipating for quite a while for the first crop of shows and, barring any serious setbacks, is still on track. [Yay!]
And the first day of Fall is only about 23 weeks away, so it’s even more hopeful if we look at it like that.
I imagine that first small batch of shows could hit the ground running sometime between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
23 weeks away makes it sound so close! I think one thing everyone this board can agree on is that it will be nice to have Broadway back up again. I definitely plan on going down the first opportunity I get.
I think the first day of fall is a wonderful concept. Even though it remains so close, it pains me to point out that the first day of fall is actually 29 weeks away. We will get there!
I think September was the recent goal, but this may get moved up now. Start in mid-July with some select shows, then a few more by Labor Day and have most shows re-opend by Thanksgiving? We have to remember that every show will need rehearsal time. On stage and in a rehearsal room. I hope this speeds up reopening of things. Of course there's the anti-vaxxers, but I'd be okay if they weren't allowed into a theaer right away.
Featured Actor Joined: 10/16/10
What if masks & social distancing continue into 2022? Will reduced capacity make opening theaters profitable? https://www.yahoo.com/news/masks-needed-until-least-2022-200143736.html
September 22 is the first day of fall
There can be no social distancing and Broadway, but there is no expectation that there will be social distancing. masks can and will be required, and this is likely to have a chilling effect for some, but that's why we are going to see a slow reopen in '21 and spring '22. Lower demand can be accommodated by lower supply. Anything opening with distancing would be a stunt.
I think we will continue to see some masks indefinitely (as we did in Asia post SARS). The reduction in flu and colds thins winter is pretty appealing to a decent number of people. Not to mention that they block the cold some too. ![]()
Mask are require for all theater in Australia and Korea. There's no social distancing for either.
I think a reopening of some shows by September (if not even sooner) is not too far-fetched, given the new updated anticipated timeline of vaccine rollout. Let's hope so!
Broadway Star Joined: 3/10/19
Matt Doyle said on his Twitch stream tonight that he got an email from one of the producers of Company today, March 2nd (which was the anniversary of their first preview) saying that "the hope and goal is for the fall." He said it's looking likelier every day, especially after Biden's updated May timeline. As someone who's starting college in New York State in the fall, I'd love for at least one of the show's opening nights (preferably Dear Evan Hansen and/or Hadestown) to coincide with Columbus Day weekend. ![]()
Correct me if I'm wrong. But wasn't it written or said somewhere the rumored plan is shows to open in waves? Wasn't there rumors of a Hamilton return on July 4th?
Yeah and I’m sure the “wave” thing will still happen. And Hamilton is still wanting to come back July 4th by charging $1000 a seat for like 25% capacity.
How do you think it'll play out? Hit shows first then smaller shows? Or vice versa?
shows that do not depend heavily on tourism will happen first. It is going to take a long time to get tourism anywhere close to where it was. The city forecasters are saying 2025. I think that might be a bit pessimistic but for the 21-22 season I expect things to be running at about 1/3 of the old normal and I think the big old reliables are going to be lagging, if they ever get back. If Hamilton does come back prematurely, it will be sui generis. I personally don't think it will be sustainable. Of course, no one knows anything.
I’m still thinking the old “hit” shows are going to do some major stunt casting to make sure people see them.
I think there will be some efforts at that, but again I think it is going to be limited in cases where the audiences are simply not here yet. Could the Weisslers draw a crowd to see [pick a star: I'll use Bryan Cranston as a placeholder] as Billy Flynn? I don't think so. But who knows. As an esteemed (now dead) producer once said to me, do not underestimate the stupidity of a Broadway producer. ![]()
As of today a few states are dropping mask restrictions and opening everything up 100%. I do agree that all NYC theaters will have mask restrictions whenever this happens.
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/26/16
I live in California, and while Broadway probably wouldn't be my first trip, I am very excited about the prospect of shows reopening. My wife and I have gotten into the habit of spring trips to New York City in recent years, and I have done almost nothing - except work from home - since almost a year ago.
I am especially eager to attend shows at local theaters, which have worked so hard to keep people connected. Just the thought of seeing a play or musical in person gives me a thrill. And yes, it would be rather nice to see In the Heights in an actual movie theater this summer.(whether I like the adaptation or not).
Theaters in the San Francisco Bay Area have all had these hopeful schedules starting this fall. It would be terrific if they actually happened. All I know is that I'll be seeing plenty of shows and planning a Broadway trip.
As for how things will do, I suspect that will depend on how the vaccines work and whether there are a lot of outbreaks. If there are problems, many tourists will probably postpone trips to New York City. If things go smoothly, I think everyone will be amazed how quickly things return to something resembling normal. A vaccine that works is different from the situation in Australia now - as well as they've handled it. We'll have to see how it goes.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/18/17
^ I live in California too and I’m hoping to see Mean Girls at the Hollywood Pantages this fall.
Leading Actor Joined: 5/8/19
The first show scheduled at my touring house (New England) is Dear Evan Hansen in October, postponed from last May, and Hamilton the first few weeks of December. Really hoping that it will be safe by then.
Featured Actor Joined: 10/16/10
I imagine the Excelsior Pass would be helpful in most cases, but what if someone tested negative 72 hours ago and picked it up on the subway on the way to the venue? https://pix11.com/news/coronavirus/vaccine-passport-app-for-large-stadiums-arenas-tested-in-new-york I think most New Yorkers would be okay with using it, but would that hurt shows dependent on tourists who may not want to use it?
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