Could Broadway Shut Down Again?

https://pix11.com/news/local-news/hochul-warns-of-more-covid-restrictions-if-ny-numbers-dont-dip/

I know nobody wants to even consider this for second, and I post this at risk of being called a "Debbie downer." But this was not a fun headline to come across this morning, and the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw it, of course, was the impact it could have on Broadway.

I personally don't see how Broadway survives another shutdown, even if it lasts a fraction as long as the last one lasted.

I get that, but it would also seem to indicate that restrictions could be in the future for any communities that end up seeing upticks this winter, even if they aren't necessarily right now.

Believe me, I hope it doesn't happen (and, logically, I don't think it will). But after the last two years, can you blame anyone for being anxious?

No, but parts of upstate are basically Alabama compared to the City so they need to be treated like children for refusing to protect themselves and others. Meanwhile here on Broadway with close to 30 shows open and thousands of people employed again we’ve had TWO cases where a show had to postpone performances which, I don’t think I’m alone here, is faaar less than I think anyone would have ever predicted.

Fully understood, but tell that to a guy who traveled 2 1/2 hours on a train to get there.

BroadwayRox3588 said: "I get that, but it would also seem to indicate that restrictions could be in the future for any communities that end up seeing upticks this winter, even if they aren't necessarily right now.

Believe me, I hope it doesn't happen (and, logically, I don't think it will). But after the last two years, can you blame anyone for being anxious?"

Blame is a strong word, but you are certainly spreading fear in relation to an article that has absolutely no commentary on NYC Covid restrictions. Broadway requiring masks and vaccinations is more precaution than most parts of the country are following for many things, including upstate NY. So, no, I do not think you could read this and assume what’s next is a Broadway shutdown. It is not going to happen, especially given the “evidence” in this article.

As noted, the city has more restrictions than upstate. Broadway has further restrictions. I can see the city expanding restrictions to the Broadway standards (e.g., telling Jim Dolan to keep his Long Island idiocy out of the five boroughs), but that of course would have no effect on Broadway, and neither would the same rules applied statewide. If you read the governor's twitter feed, you'll discover that posts from upstate are asking her why tf these rules are not in force when you can see the 800% difference in positivity (and significantly higher vax rates) between the city and upstate. The data in the theatre-going parts of the city is that we have very high vax rates, very low case rates, and incredibly small hospitalization rates among the vaccinated. We are doing the restrictions others are sitting around arguing about, and they are allowing us to have theatre that feels like the safest space we can be in anywhere in America. NB that the very few cancellations have not to my knowledge implicated audiences at all and also that the unfortunate lengthier shutdown (C&B) was a function of restrictions on cast that relates to management labor protocols that are designed to address the higher degree of risk facing maskless performers. We are doing great and unless something changes greatly what we have here is a model for what others around the world need to be doing to avoid the bad news that we are seeing in many places.

Updated On: 11/20/21 at 12:48 PM

Try as hard as you can to relax, BroadwayRox. I understand the fear, but Broadway has been making the right decisions in regards to safety. I think another shutdown is unlikely.

Early signs point to this being another Delta variant. Ultimately it comes down to if the vaccines can also block this new variant. Still think another shutdown is unlikely as it would truly cripple Broadway.

It certainly is scary, and I share your fear. I am just trying to take it one day at a time and take solace in the fact that scientists know more about COVID now than they did before.

Anything "could" happen, but realistically the more likely scenario is that international travel will again be put on hold and masks will become mandatory in more situations and indoor dining could go away again. The expectation is that the existing vaccines will have decent effectiveness and, if needed, omicron boosters will be available early in the new year. There is no more reason to be scared than there has been for almost 2 years. In those areas where vax rates are pathetic, it's pretty obvious there will be another large surge. The virus will keep doing its thing as long as people keep being stupid. It's not rocket science. All of that said, I expect Broadway to be pretty limited this winter, but I was expecting that before this latest development.

Just like with Delta, we will deal with this new variant the same way. Broadway won't be shutting down again, but Im certain many shows will be gone by January, unfortunately. They jumped the gun too quickly this Fall.

Sutton Ross said: "Just like with Delta, we will deal with this new variant the same way. Broadway won't be shutting down again, but Im certain many shows will be gone by January, unfortunately. They jumped the gun too quickly this Fall."

Which means at this point, we could possibly see several short-notice closing announcements, which really sucks.

Working as a nurse, I could already tell the winter was going to be a hard season, even with vaccinations - which is why I knocked off 11 shows in two months. (I’m also having surgery next week so that will take me out.)

To me, the unusual symptoms that were reported don’t seem all that beyond the pale since previous reports of COVID have included some cardiac issues and definitely fatigue amongst people. It’s just possible the new variant now increases what used to be rare side effects (cardiac) to the forefront. We won’t really know for a few weeks what impact this will have but it’s likely smarter to assume the variant is already here and to ensure you are taking all protections with vaccinations, boosters, and masking.

That being said, Broadway cannot survive another full scale shutdown since it will likely take out nearly everything that has reopened and the government likely won’t have the money to help prop up the industry again.