Broadway to Close? — Page 11

BenElliott said: "Maybe Broadway will be playing to smaller audiences. Maybe they'll be closing the mezzanines."

I don't want to sound like I'm not concerned, because I am...however, I have 3 shows planned in the next week at 3 touring houses. I feel like the smaller audience at Harry Potter in San Fran is (in theory) easier done, because its an open run. You can switch people. The tours, on the other hand are more difficult to give the audiences their shows, because if you have Hamilton, you would have to wait until there was an opening in the schedule to come back around.

"No. Part of the role of government is to ensure the greater good and that involves minor "restrictions" on individual freedom or choices on a routine basis, and more significant constraints when merited. We can't rely on individuals, companies, et al, to set aside self-interest in times of crisis, so periodically the unthinkable has to be mandated."

I will agree to disagree. If Broadway shuts down, feel very sorry for those who will lose their paychecks. I think a lot of shows will not re-open if Broadway closes, hope I am wrong.

Agree with the majority in that I think it makes sense to close the theaters for the short term. Yes it'll be bad for everyone who works in the industry, but this is about slowing the spread of the virus however we can. And considering that Broadway audiences skew older and COVID-19 is more lethal for people ages 55+, it seems especially moronic not to take swift action.

I feel sorry for everyone who stands be negatively impacted, but I think right now safety has to be everyone's highest priority. "The Show Must Go On" IMO doesn't hold much weight in this instance.

Updated On: 3/12/20 at 10:50 AM

yankeefan7 said: ""No. Part of the role of government is to ensure the greater good and that involves minor "restrictions" on individual freedom or choices on a routine basis, and more significant constraints when merited. We can't rely on individuals, companies, et al, to set aside self-interest in times of crisis, so periodically the unthinkable has to be mandated."

I will agree to disagree. If Broadway shuts down, feel very sorry for those who will lose their paychecks. I think a lot of shows will not re-open if Broadway closes, hope I am wrong."

Extended closure will almost certainly doom most shows.

However, so will extended panic and reluctance to attend theater. Look at the houses of the newer shows for the next few weeks on Telecharge or Ticketmaster- it's not good. Travel restrictions will exacerbate this.

There is no "good" option; it is choosing which is the less bad one.

Updated On: 3/12/20 at 10:53 AM

BenElliott said: "Maybe Broadway will be playing to smaller audiences. Maybe they'll be closing the mezzanines."

The "safer" thing to do would be close alternating rows of seats. So sell only seats in rows A, C, E, G, I, K...Etc, to allow for more space between theater goers. Also I would arguably not sell tickets for the first row of the orchestra due to bodily fluids that commonly come off actors. Yes it would cut capacity in half, but I honestly wonder if insurance, which I am assuming most productions have will cover the difference in playing to 50% capacity and their running costs. In theory this might arguable turn more shows into "hits" as basic liability insurance should logically cover the cost of most productions capitalization costs, which would be lost if a production is forced to shut down, not by their own volition. Either that or I see a some sort of bail out by NY State/Federal government.

steven22 said: "I have a ticket to Whisper House I'm trying to get rid of. I paid $27.50, which I believe was a special price for the first few preview. Let me know if anyone wants it. Just asking what I paid.

It's for this Friday, March 13 at 7pm at 59e59."

A friend of mine got a refund for that show, so just call them.

bdn223 said: "BenElliott said: "Maybe Broadway will be playing to smaller audiences. Maybe they'll be closing the mezzanines."

The "safer" thing to do would be close alternating rows of seats. So sell only seats in rowsA, C, E, G, I, K...Etc, to allow for more space between theater goers. Also I would arguably not sell tickets for the first row of the orchestra due to bodily fluids that commonly come off actors.Yes it would cut capacity in half, but I honestly wonder if insurance, which I am assuming most productions have will cover the difference in playing to 50% capacity and their running costs. In theorythis might arguable turn more shows into "hits" as basic liability insurance should logically cover the cost of most productions capitalization costs, which would be lost if a production is forced to shut down, not by their own volition. Either that or I see a some sort of bail out by NY State/Federal government."

All this does is create some social distancing for the length of the show time only. This doesn't do anything to address the line of people coming into the theater pre-show or stop lines for the bars and restrooms from existing.

phan24 said: "Some companies are getting the news now before it goes public... A mandatory closing of Broadway for 30 days starting tonight."

What's your source?

I came across this post yesterday. Hopefully this is helpful to some who may need an alternative source of income over the next few weeks. I think delivery services in particular will likely be in need of more people.

https://www.onstageblog.com/new-blog-1/2019/3/15/yu97k7nrkpmu18my1q7b5bw04t1kyi