Broadway League To Announce Further Broadway Closure til May 30th- Page 2

[Fosse76]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 12:36am

stoptheworld38 said: "...but what I don't understand is why they need to make that decision literally almost 8 months in advance when there's no way to know if it's necessary, especially since there were definitely claims that we could see a gradual return throughout spring 2021."

Those so-called claims were merely speculation. It isn't rocket science.  The resurgence in Brooklyn and Queens demonstrates that it just isn't safe. And it will take at least a year after a vaccine is developed for it to be effectively safe for such gatherings. It's basic virology. 

"Plus they have to keep in mind the countless people who have been out of work all this time. Yes, health and safety of the performers and audience members should be a priority, but getting people back to work should also be a priority."

That's pretty simplistic, but the situation is more complicated.  The reality is that health and safety is the main priority.  While the ramifications of the Broadway shutdown are severe, entertainment is the epitome of non-essential business, and it's ridiculous to hide behind unemployment to mask a selfish desire to run out and see Company. Live theater is simply not financially viable without a vaccine.  I don't know a single person working on Broadway who would risk their health for money simply because some people are bored at home. 

"There's no way to say yet that stuff couldn't start to gradually come back with certain restrictions as soon as early 2021."

Broadway and other live entertainment simply cannot survive financially unless they meet certain thresholds,  which are impossible with the necessary protocols needed for COVID-19.

[itsjustmejonhotmailcom]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 12:39am

stoptheworld38 said: " I understand people's health and safety is the most important thing, but what I don't understand is why they need to make that decision literally almost 8 months in advance when there's no way to know if it's necessary, especially since there were definitely claims that we could see a gradual return throughout spring 2021."

Because it takes a long time to get shows back up and running. Producers need to raise more money (most shows won't have enough in reserve to cover reopening costs.) Then you need months to build marketing awareness and hopefully an advance. I don't think the 8-month deadline is for the public as it is so much for the industry so they can plan accordingly.

[PrelfordJase]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 1:33am

Fosse76 said: Those so-called claims were merely speculation. It isn't rocket science. The resurgence in Brooklyn and Queens demonstrates that it just isn't safe. And it will take at least a year after a vaccine is developed for it to be effectively safe for such gatherings. It's basic virology.

The increased case counts in Brooklyn and Queens tell you absolutely nothing about the safety of live theater with masked audiences and other proper health protocol compliance. I’ll take my lessons in basic “virology” from more esteemed sources than someone named “Fosse76,” thanks.

The reality is that health and safety is the main priority. While the ramifications of the Broadway shutdown are severe, entertainment is the epitome of non-essential business, and it's ridiculous to hide behind unemployment to mask a selfish desire to run out and see Company. Live theater is simply not financially viable without a vaccine. I don't know a single person working on Broadway who would risk their health for money simply because some people are bored at home.

You don’t work in the industry, do you? That’s the only reason I can imagine you’d be so dismissive of the livelihoods of thousands as “the epitome of non-essential.” The fact is, the danger is much lower now than it was in the spring and may even be lower still by next spring. But sure, stay at home forever. 

 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 1:51am

Will there even be any shows that could/will survive now? Believe me, we've been doubting many productions withstanding the shutdown since last spring (me included), but the perils of a year/year-and-a-half long hiatus are officially upon us. The tourist attractions are as wrecked as the newbies.

B'way is overdue for some change... late next year seems like a good place to start in terms of a new Theatre District, with many different shows possibly joining in the months and years that follow.

 

 

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 1:53am

It may be the "epitome of non-essential" in other cities but theatre pulls in over a billion dollars a year in NYC. Add on Hotel and restaurant business and it is vital to this city.  It pulls in more than the sports teams combined here.

With that said, we are still at the mercy of this virus and theatre can't come back until it is safe. My worry is that there will be no safety net for those working in the theatre after unemployment runs out. There was mention of actors looking for other jobs but what about house staffs, merch people, bartenders, etc? Can they wait that long? This isn't just about the productions themselves.  JMO

[blaxx]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 2:44am

uncageg said: "It may be the "epitome of non-essential" in other cities but theatre pulls in over a billion dollars a year in NYC. Add on Hotel and restaurant business and it is vital to this city. It pulls in more than the sports teams combined here.

With that said, we are still at the mercy of this virus and theatre can't come back until it is safe. My worry is that there will be no safety net for those working in the theatre after unemployment runs out. There was mention of actors looking for other jobs but what about house staffs, merch people, bartenders, etc? Can they wait that long? This isn't just about the productions themselves. JMO"

There is no precedent for something of this scale. Broadway also had developed a business model that is so large, no one would've thought it could collapse overnight.

Everyone in the industry is in the same boat, wondering if their choice of profession will be sustainable in the long run. Should we keep resilient or should we surrender to the facts of this new reality to survive?   

I'm hoping in the end this feels temporary to industry professionals, and not feel doomed within Broadway apocalypse.

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 3:13am

blaxx said: "uncageg said: "It may be the "epitome of non-essential" in other cities but theatre pulls in over a billion dollars a year in NYC. Add on Hotel and restaurant business and it is vital to this city. It pulls in more than the sports teams combined here.

With that said, we are still at the mercy of this virus and theatre can't come back until it is safe. My worry is that there will be no safety net for those working in the theatre after unemployment runs out. There was mention of actors looking for other jobs but what about house staffs, merch people, bartenders, etc? Can they wait that long? This isn't just about the productions themselves. JMO"


Everyone in the industry is in the same boat, wondering if their choice of profession will be sustainable in the long run. Should we keep resilient or should we surrender to the facts of this new reality to survive?

 

You hit the nail on the head. I know a number of people surrendering to the new reality. They are looking for or getting other jobs. Moving out and/or moving in with families in their home towns and starting over. All of them wanted to be here when Theatre (Broadway and off-Broadway) comes back but reality set in and they are doing what they must to survive.

 

[Princeton2]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 3:41am

Broadway seems a bit of a strange set up. It really seems.to be an all or nothing approach. Unlike in the UK where some shows are trying to run under social distancing and covid secure measures if they can (e.g. Sleepless, Six, Palladium Panto) plus some regional theatres are doing seasons of small cast plays and social distanced audiences.

Also America seems obsessed with relying on a vaccine, what if one doesnt work? We don't have vaccines for every illness under the sun, or if we do get one it may only reduce risk like the flu jab rather than protect completely. And even if there is one it will take ages to vaccinate everyone.

I get a bit tired of the 'no one saw this coming' comment, they did. to be honest we all did to some degree, we have had numerous warnings from outbreaks of other diseases that just through luck and them not being as contagious stopped them spreading west. There have been numerous TV movies and documentaries on the subject too. Scientists/WHO have been warning governments for years that it was a matter of time before a major outbreak of an influenza spread and that the world was not prepared.

[sparksatmidnight]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 6:47am

Probably because it's easier to expect for a working vaccine than to hope people wear some damn masks and don't keep gathering for a little while so the virus can die down. With a vaccine, people work on their own safety, while right now, all we do is hope people around us wear their mask properly and isolate if they had contact with someone infected or have any symptoms, which is clearly not working.

[unclevictor]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 8:01am

Got an email last night about this.
They said May 30th at the earliest. Never gonna happaen.
Broadway is so screwed.

[ACL2006]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 8:20am

Every Broadway show that returns would have to go back into rehearsals before re-opening. Similar to when tours go off on hiatus for several months and start back up with new cast members. Hoping a plan is in place for Broadway to gradually reopen next summer.

[Wick3]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:00am

In addition to rehearsals, productions will also have to revamp their marketing since all the shows will start ticket sales from scratch (with exception of Music Man.)

[sparksatmidnight]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:03am

I assume the May 30th (supposing it actually happens on that date) is already taking rehearsals into account, since it's a date set by the Broadway League. So every production would take into consideration and start casting and rehearsals accordingly to be able to open on whatever date the Broadway League says.

[JennH]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:14am

Princeton2 said: "Broadway seems a bit of a strange set up. It really seems.to be an all or nothing approach. Unlike in the UK where some shows are trying to run under social distancing and covid secure measures if they can (e.g. Sleepless, Six, Palladium Panto) plus some regional theatres are doing seasons of small cast plays and social distanced audiences.

Also America seems obsessed with relying on a vaccine, what if one doesnt work? We don't have vaccines for every illness under the sun, or if we do get one it may only reduce risk like the flu jab rather than protect completely. And even if there is one it will take ages to vaccinate everyone.

I get a bit tired of the 'no one saw this coming' comment, they did. to be honest we all did to some degree, we have had numerous warnings from outbreaks of other diseases that just through luck and them not being as contagious stopped them spreading west. There have been numerous TV movies and documentaries on the subject too. Scientists/WHO have been warning governments for years that it was a matter of time before a major outbreak of an influenza spread and that the world was not prepared.

"

The UK is doing no better than we are, so I have no idea how they're able to do this. And I'd argue about our obsession with a vaccine. We have too many  anti-maskers who also are anti vaxx so....And even those of us who aren't anti vaxx,many have said said they wouldn't take it, at least not right away because a rushed vaccine does no one any good. 

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:28am

uncageg said: "It may be the "epitome of non-essential" in other cities but theatre pulls in over a billion dollars a year in NYC. Add on Hotel and restaurant business and it is vital to this city. It pulls in more than the sports teams combined here.

With that said, we are still at the mercy of this virus and theatre can't come back until it is safe. My worry is that there will be no safety net for those working in the theatre after unemployment runs out. There was mention of actors looking for other jobs but what about house staffs, merch people, bartenders, etc? Can they wait that long? This isn't just about the productions themselves. JMO"

None of the local sports teams have allowed fans back in yet either so far and I don't see them allowing anyone in anytime soon either. They have the obvious benefit of being on tv and having huge broadcast deals and not needing anyone in the stands to still play games on tv plus the arenas/stadiums are way bigger than theatres and a bunch are in open air stadiums.

Personally I won't be going to a Broadway show for quite some time, I've accepted that it is what it is. I'm also a season ticket holder for a few of the local sports teams around here and I dont plan on attending games anytime soon even if they do start letting some fans in.

I'm just not interested in being a Guinea pig and risking the health of my family and myself just to watch some entertainment. 

[theatrepersonNYC]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:35am

Princeton2 said: "Broadway seems a bit of a strange set up. It really seems.to be an all or nothing approach. Unlike in the UK where some shows are trying to run under social distancing and covid secure measures if they can (e.g. Sleepless, Six, Palladium Panto) plus some regional theatres are doing seasons of small cast plays and social distanced audiences. 

To be fair, the Governor is the one keeping the venues closed, not the unions or the producers.  Keep an eye on movie theatres - when they can open, they'll start to look at Broadway. The fact that the Broadway model is ridiculously expensive is the next issue to tackle, but the venues come first.

 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:37am

Just to ground all of this a little: there is nothing said in this thread that has not been said before. 

1. We still have no idea when it will be possible to reopen Broadway.

2. Nothing the League says or does will have the slightest impact on when Broadway will reopen. 

3. This "announcement" is driven by accounting not scheduling, to which a marketing spin has been added. N.B. The League is run by a clueless marketing person.

4. Talk about phased reopenings betrays a lack of understanding of the nature of the business. Each show is a tub on its own bottom. Each show can and will make its own decisions once the state decides it is time to allow reopening and in fact anything else would be an antitrust violation. If the environment warrants opening/reopening a show, it will reopen; nothing else is a consideration. Broadway is not like Applebees where corporate can sit in a boardroom and decide which locations should be open and which should remain closed. 

5. The effect of the shutdown on people who work in the industry is devastating. The solution, however, is to demand governmental support (and of course that means electing the right government), not to unsafely reopen. 

6. Status quo ante is a fantasy. Recovery will be a reality, and a better Broadway and a better city will hopefully be a part of the new normal. Aside from the effects on those who were employed on shows and will have to adjust, killing much of what was on Broadway in March '20 seems like a brilliant idea.

[broadfan327]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:41am

Jordan Levinson said: "Will there even be any shows that could/will survive now? Believe me, we've been doubting many productions withstanding the shutdown since last spring (me included), but the perils of a year/year-and-a-half long hiatusare officiallyupon us. The tourist attractions are as wrecked as the newbies.

B'way is overdue for somechange... late next year seems like a good place to start in terms of a new Theatre District, with many different shows possibly joining in the months and years that follow.

I can't imagine anyone except with money to burn immediately wanting to invest in new shows in 2021.  I imagine we will see some of the new shows that were slated to begin in March/April give it a go, but I can't imagine there will be a huge demand for empty theaters, initially. 

[JennH]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:44am

^^That. While I get safety first, how much longer can this go on? That's a purely legit question. If there's no vaccine, than what? We don't even have a solid treatment for it as of yet. 

As for the term non essential, I'm tired of it being used as a weapon. It means the "literal difference between life and death". So no, it's not essential to our literal survival...but it certainty is to a spiritual one. And I do wonder the following...how is it that screen based production have resumed to a decent degree with seemingly no problem but theatre can't? Yes I know there's nuances here such as outdoor filming, no audience, but it's like no one want to get creative...not every thing is or can be, filmed outdoors, and if audiences wearing masks is enforced, can I ask why this can't be done? Screen sets can get crowded with just staff too...Again, pure question to understand, not as an attack. 

EDIT-That was to Broadway Joe.

Updated On: 10/9/20 at 09:44 AM

[Broadway Joe]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 9:44am

theatrepersonNYC said: "Princeton2 said: "Broadway seems a bit of a strange set up. It really seems.to be an all or nothing approach. Unlike in the UK where some shows are trying to run under social distancing and covid secure measures if they can (e.g. Sleepless, Six, Palladium Panto) plus some regional theatres are doing seasons of small cast plays and social distanced audiences.

To be fair, the Governor is the one keeping the venues closed, not the unions or the producers. Keep an eye on movie theatres - when they can open, they'll start to look at Broadway. The fact that the Broadway model is ridiculously expensive is the next issue to tackle, but the venues come first.

"

There's really no correlation between movie theaters and Broadway theatres. There's dozens of different showings every day at movie theaters and they don't need a close to full capacity or sold out capacity to be making money nor do they need to pay as many people to operate and most of their revenue comes through concession stands not tickets. Broadway theatres operating with a limited capacity simply won't be profitable except for maybe a few of the major hit shows.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 10:13am

Just got this official email from The Music Man...

"We will now begin performances at the Winter Garden Theatre on Monday, December 20th, 2021, and open on Thursday, February 10th, 2022.

We wanted to reassure you that your tickets will, of course, remain valid for the new performance schedule. You will be contacted within the next ten business days with a confirmation of your new booking — plus information regarding next steps should you be unable to attend on your new date."

[Kad]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 10:24am

7 months in, and repeated closure extensions, and the same misconceptions, misunderstandings, and delusions are still all on display.

It should be noted that if indeed Broadway will not reopen until next summer or later, then a lot of organizations could be facing existential threats, such as Equity.

[Steve C.]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 10:37am

I agree with Kad...Broadway will never be the same.

I have tix for Music Man and I still doubt a December previews date.

I wonder what's happening at The Palace? They closed SpongeBob. They are raising the theatre with a new ground floor with commercial space; with all these renovations, they could be designing and building the first Covid theater space??

[theatrepersonNYC]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 11:29am

Broadway Joe said: "theatrepersonNYC said: "Princeton2 said: "Broadway seems a bit of a strange set up. It really seems.to be an all or nothing approach. Unlike in the UK where some shows are trying to run under social distancing and covid secure measures if they can (e.g. Sleepless, Six, Palladium Panto) plus some regional theatres are doing seasons of small cast plays and social distanced audiences.

To be fair, the Governor is the one keeping the venues closed, not the unions or the producers. Keep an eye on movie theatres - when they can open, they'll start to look at Broadway. The fact that the Broadway model is ridiculously expensive is the next issue to tackle, but the venues come first.

"

There's really no correlation between movie theaters and Broadway theatres. There's dozens of different showings every day at movie theaters and they don't need a close to full capacity or sold out capacity to be making money nor do they need to pay as many people to operate and most of their revenue comes through concession stands not tickets. Broadway theatres operating with a limited capacity simply won't be profitable except for maybe a few of the major hit shows."

Of course, and I 100% agree on your economic assessment. My point is that cinemas have the same "science" problem - large numbers of people in a room with no windows. Yes, they can run profitably with a few people in there, but that - so far - is not even an option under the Governor's order. 

When those buildings can open, our buildings will be considered too. If we can't do it profitably, we'll stay closed. 

[HogansHero]

Posted: 10/9/20 at 1:41pm

It seems that some people are determined to not understand. 

We will not have Broadway again until covid is in the rear view mirror. We will not have Broadway with social distancing. We will not have Broadway with (mandatory) masks. We will not need theatres designed for covid. What we will need is a critical mass of audiences that will return, and for many shows that means tourists. Movie theatres can function without any of these things. So step one is for the state to announce that it is safe and step two is for the marketers to make miracles happen.