Cuomo Snubs Broadway- Page 4

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/4/20 at 4:57pm

Well, I think he laid it out very clearly. All regions have to have all seven metrics to move to phase 1:

• A 14-day drop in hospitalizations, or fewer than 15 new admissions in a three-day rolling average
• A 14-day decline in hospital deaths, or fewer than five total deaths across a three-day rolling average
• A rate of new hospitalizations below 2 per 100,000 residents, across a three-day rolling average
• At least 30 percent of total hospital beds unoccupied
• At least 30 percent of ICU hospital beds unoccupied
• At least 30 tests for every 1,000 residents per month
• At least 30 contact tracers retained per 100,000 residents

When all criteria are met, we will move through each phase. Broadway won't be back for a very long time, unfortunate but completely necessary. 

 

Updated On: 5/4/20 at 04:57 PM

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/4/20 at 6:24pm

Sutton Ross said: "Well, I think he laid it out very clearly. "

I agree and, moreover, I think it may well welcome the template many others will use. That someone would think it is convoluted is mystifying.

 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 6:06am

JayElle said: "Ms. St. Martin clearly stated the League's position in the Deadline.Com interview:

“We just said that [at that point] we were exchanging and refunding tickets up to June 7. I mean, every couple of days our guesstimates go further out. As late as two weeks ago we were thinking that with any luck we might be up by July and that a worst case scenario might be September. Now the best guesses are that unless there’s serious testing and information that we don’t currently have, we’re probably looking at September or later.”

She also referenced ticket sales as a barometer. So even if the Gov authorized theater opening tomorrow, doesn't mean the industry would removethe padlocks the day. The time she spends sitting on a committee, it's time wasting doing something more productive. I venture she and the industry "powers that be" communicate with the Govenor's office or reps.

https://deadline.com/2020/04/reopening-broadway-charlotte-st-martin-broadway-league-candid-conversation-1202910054/"

She's being disingenuous. The press release from the Broadway League specifically stated:

 "Broadway shows in New York City will extend the current suspension of all performances through June 7, 2020."

According to the Deadline article: "[a] June 7 reopening was 'never, ever the case. We did not say that,' St. Martin tells Deadline." And while it is true that the press release had information regarding ticket refunds, her deadline quote isn't entirely accurate as to reopening, since the language implies that Broadway would reopen on the 8th. There was no qualifying details in the original release. Instead of "extending" the closure, the release should have only mentioned the refund policy. 

https://www.broadwayleague.com/press/press-releases/broadway-theatres-extend-suspension-through-june-7-2020/

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 8:44am

you are misreading. the press release is consistent with Cuomo, which is what it says in the opening sentence that you choose not to quote. The League cannot end its suspension until Cuomo says they can, and he has also been clear that he is extending by steps and reopening by steps on a regional basis. 

[rattleNwoolypenguin]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 11:46am

I’m not understanding why people wouldn’t think Broadway is the last thing to open.

It’s multiple theatres that pack hundreds of people next to eachother for 2 and a half hours.

We’re not even remotely there yet guys.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 12:34pm

Great NYT piece on Mrs. Doubtfire and the pandemic, for those interested.

Link

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 5:05pm

rattleNwoolypenguin said: "I’m not understanding why people wouldn’t think Broadway is the last thing to open.

It’s multiple theatres that pack hundreds of people next to eachother for 2 and a half hours.

We’re not even remotely there yet guys."

Of course BWAY is going to be one of the last things to open...some buzz after Labor Day but that just may not now happen till after the New Year..a lot in play here...opening up is not just flipping the switch back on and resuming where things stopped!

[MikeInTheDistrict]

Posted: 5/7/20 at 6:58pm

The title of this thread is annoying.

 

No sane person would want to endanger the performers, crew, theatre staff, and audience members by opening Broadway prematurely. Aside from its deadliness, COVID-19 can leave permanent damage to people's lungs which, for many performers -- from actors, singers and dancers to wind instrumentalists in the pit -- can have career-ending ramifications. A lot of the Broadway audience members are also of an older demographic and are at high risk for complications.

[zainmax]

Posted: 5/8/20 at 6:38am

Robbie2 said: "rattleNwoolypenguin said: "I’m not understanding why people wouldn’t think Broadway is the last thing to open.

It’s multiple theatres that pack hundreds of people next to eachother for 2 and a half hours.

We’re not even remotely there yet guys."
Yea... I keep hearing later and later...
Of course BWAY is going to be one of the last things to open...some buzz after Labor Day but that just may not now happen till after the New Year..a lot in play here...opening up is not just flipping the switch back on and resuming where things stopped!"

 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 5/8/20 at 3:40pm

HogansHero said: "you are misreading. the press release is consistent with Cuomo, which is what it says in the opening sentence that you choose not to quote."

No, I'm not misreading. The original first line:

"In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and under the continued direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will extend the current suspension of all performances through June 7, 2020."

When this was released, the shutdown had only been extended to May 15. And I stated outright that it is true that she never said that they were reopening on the 7th.

"The League cannot end its suspension until Cuomo says they can, and he has also been clear that he is extending by steps and reopening by steps on a regional basis."

I never said otherwise (and at the time of the release there were no re-opening details released). But St. Martin re-wrote history with her claim that "A June 7 reopening was 'never, ever the case. We did not say that,' St. Martin tells Deadline. 'We just said that [at that point] we were exchanging and refunding tickets up to June 7.'"

The implication in the original statement is that the guidelines called for a closure only through May 15, and that shows would presumably return June 8th. In fact, in an article in the Times (which was updated to include Cuomo's rebuke) she states “'We’re hopeful that the restrictions will be lifted by June 7,' said Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League. 'If they’re not, we will continue to monitor government restrictions and will advise ticket holders as soon as we know what those restrictions are.'” Presumably they chose June 7th since that included an additional two week extension of Cuomo's orders, in the hopes that June 8th would be the reopening date. If they weren't planning on that being the date (even if they were sure it would be extended further), the press release should have simply only addressed the refund policy, and simply announced the closure will continue until the governor lifts the stay at home and social distancing measures.

And you, as well as others, really should stop defending the League, as their bottom line has always been their top priority. While cleaning was increased, it wasn't that much better than usual (wiping things down with a dry cloth isn't what I would call sanitizing). While other businesses where already contemplating a shutdown, the League and DeBlasio were fighting with Cuomo to exempt Broadway. Even the ushers were told initially that they couldn't wear gloves, for fear of inducing concerns that it wasn't safe to be out. Turns out it wasn't.

[itsjustmejonhotmailcom]

Posted: 5/8/20 at 6:27pm

"And you, as well as others, really should stop defending the League, as their bottom line has always been their top priority. While cleaning was increased, it wasn't that much better than usual (wiping things down with a dry cloth isn't what I would call sanitizing). While other businesses where already contemplating a shutdown, the League and DeBlasio were fighting with Cuomo to exempt Broadway. Even the ushers were told initially that they couldn't wear gloves, for fear of inducing concerns that it wasn't safe to be out. Turns out it wasn't."

The League is a non-profit but maybe you meant their members' priority is the individual shows bottom line. Also, I don't doubt that some theaters weren't cleaning properly. But before the shut down there were Broadway theaters who were wiping down surfaces with disinfectant and bringing in misting machines at night to disinfect.  So some were taking it seriously.

[zainmax]

Posted: 5/8/20 at 7:15pm

Fosse76 said: "HogansHero said: "you are misreading. the press release is consistent with Cuomo, which is what it says in the opening sentence that you choose not to quote."

No, I'm not misreading. The original first line:

"In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and under the continued direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will extend the current suspension of all performances through June 7, 2020."

When this was released, the shutdown had only been extended to May 15. And I stated outright that it is true that she never said that they were reopening on the 7th.

"The League cannot end its suspension until Cuomo says they can, and he has also been clear that he is extending by steps and reopening by steps on a regional basis."

I never said otherwise (and at the time of the release there were no re-opening details released). But St. Martin re-wrote history with her claim that "A June 7 reopening was 'never, ever the case. We did not say that,'St. Martin tells Deadline. 'We just said that [at that point] we were exchanging and refunding tickets up to June 7.'"

The implication in the originalstatement is that the guidelines called for a closure only through May 15, and that shows would presumably return June 8th. In fact, in an article in the Times (which was updated to include Cuomo's rebuke) she states“'We’re hopeful that the restrictions will be lifted by June 7,' said Charlotte St. Martin, the president of the Broadway League. 'If they’re not, we will continue to monitor government restrictions and will advise ticket holders as soon as we know what those restrictions are.'” Presumably they chose June 7th since that included an additional two week extension of Cuomo's orders, in the hopes that June 8th would be the reopening date. If they weren't planning on that being the date (even if they were sure it would be extended further), the press release should have simply only addressed the refund policy, and simply announced the closure will continue until the governor lifts the stay at home and social distancing measures.

And you, as well as others, really should stop defending the League, as their bottom line has always been their top priority. While cleaning was increased, it wasn't that much better than usual (wiping things down with a dry cloth isn't what I would call sanitizing). While other businesses where already contemplating a shutdown, the League and DeBlasio were fighting with Cuomo to exempt Broadway. Even the ushers were told initially that they couldn't wear gloves, for fear of inducing concerns that it wasn't safe to be out. Turns out it wasn't."

This true?

[HogansHero]

Posted: 5/8/20 at 8:35pm

I am not defending anyone but no it is not true for the simple reason that the League has nothing to do with telling ushers or anyone else what to do or not do. Did some house manager tell ushers such a thing? Who knows? Wouldn't surprise me; it wouldn't be the dumbest thing a house manager every did. 

PS, Fosse, yes you are misreading or, more to the point, reading what you want into things. What exactly is the agenda of this sidebar? The League makes statements on this topic based on what is legally permitted and not, nothing more or less. Does the League do business-y type things that we may not like? Sure. But please don't muddle things with extrania.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 4:03pm

BWAY does not open till phase 4 - whenever that may be ...after Labor Day - New Year?             Interesting what they are doing in Seoul with regard to the Phantom tour happening there (Safety Measures) - Also, I have  a friend that said: The first row is kept empy and audience members are required to wear a mask and are not allowed to verbally chear or shout out after numbers or at the curtain call. Attendees are monitored also with temperature checks prior to entering the theater while practicing social distancing when entering as well and after each performance the venue is disinfected thoroughly and all staff wear masks front and backstage. Also, you have to have the app- South Korea has introduced a contact tracing app for people to prove they are corona-free and receive warnings about local virus cases.  https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_2DoKShU3U/?utm_source=ig_embed    

So, will BWAY take these measures when reopening?
 

Updated On: 5/9/20 at 04:03 PM

[Theater3232]

Posted: 5/9/20 at 7:06pm

I imagine the lucrative beverage sales wouldn't be allowed, if customers wear masks the entire time?  I believe Charlotte said something along the lines of:, Broadway won't reopen (even if they're allowed to) until there's enough of a customer base to make it profitable.

[djoko84]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 1:56am

When Patti Lupone was on Watch What Happens Live last week, she and Andy both said they have heard from Broadway producers that the earliest shows would come back is next year. I'm thinking the earliest is January, but more likely around March.

As for the title of this thread, Cuomo is doing a great job. No one is snubbing Broadway - it will be the very last thing to reopen, which under the circumstances it really has to be.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 3:50pm

djoko84 said: "When Patti Lupone was on Watch What Happens Live last week, she and Andy both said they have heard from Broadway producers that the earliest shows would come back is next year. I'm thinking the earliest is January, but more likely around March.

As for the title of this thread, Cuomo is doing a great job. No one is snubbing Broadway - it will be the very last thing to reopen, which under the circumstances it really has to be."

I'm already imagining a potential March 12, 2021 reopening. It would make for a powerful ad campaign too, something along the lines of: "On March 12, 2020, the theatre world shut down. On March 12, 2021, Broadway is back and better than ever." 

Exactly a full year. A full 8,760 hours. And yes, a full 525,600 minutes. Just imagine that.

 

[itsjustmejonhotmailcom]

Posted: 5/10/20 at 5:26pm

Jordan Levinson said: "djoko84 said: "When Patti Lupone was on Watch What Happens Live last week, she and Andy both said they have heard from Broadway producers that the earliest shows would come back is next year. I'm thinking the earliest is January, but more likely around March.

As for the title of this thread, Cuomo is doing a great job. No one is snubbing Broadway - it will be the very last thing to reopen, which under the circumstances it really has to be."

I'm already imagining a potential March 12, 2021 reopening. It would make for a powerful ad campaign too,something along the lines of:"On March 12, 2020, the theatre world shut down. On March 12, 2021, Broadway isback and better than ever."

Exactly a full year. A full 8,760 hours. And yes, a full 525,600 minutes. Just imagine that.

"

They'll probably start back up again on a Mon or Tue since that's the start of the week for reporting.