Quite true, Eris -- yes, the media overhypes these things sometimes, but it'd be worse if they downplayed it and it was a disaster. This is from a former Gulf Coaster who's gone through his share of these! Three days without power if you're unprepared is not fun.
Apparently, my apartment (and all Broadway theatres) are not in any sort of flood zone...even if it became a category 4. So I guess I'm just gonna stay put.
Big storms (and storms that might have been big but blow out to sea) are GREAT times to get tickets to sold-out shows.
Like PJ said, if the shows are going on, its a wonderful time for locals who brave the elements and get into impossible shows. The horrible weather is hardest on travelers and tourists who get stranded and stuck.
Swing Joined: 12/15/10
It's still too soon to tell how bad we'll be getting hit. The last chatter I heard from NBC at the top of the hour said we'll be getting a category 1 in time for the Sunday matinee curtain. We'll probably have a much better idea tomorrow. Regardless, I don't see Broadway going dark for this storm.
Wouldn't have too much trouble with the BOM SRO line though, eh?
Hurricanes suck. My Mother's inbred cousins are coming to stay with us because they decided in their wisdom to buy a house on the beach (that they couldn't afford to begin with) and now Christie has told the Jersey shoreline to evacuate. I'm coming to see a show this weekend even if the only show I see is Naked Cowboy's briefs flying off into the air!
I have tickets to MASTER CLASS via TDF on Saturday night...I'll be pissed if I can't get into NY...though I'm going to try come hell or high water!
Will Broadway go on? Yes. Will it be to empty audiences? Likely.
"Will Broadway go on? Yes. Will it be to empty audiences? Likely."
Yes if you are looking to see Book of Mormon from an orchestra seat, Sat night is probably your best chance. Same for Lion King or anything else as popular.
Some of the best seats I've ever gotten were courtesy of two feet of snow on a Tuesday night having purchased from TKTS back in the day. My biggest fear is mass transit (train service) losing power. I suppose I can always go hang out at the Marriott or at a friend's place.
As was said in the hurricane thread on the OT board, Bloomberg spoke of the possibility of shutting down the MTA. The trains aren't designed to operate safely in sustained winds over 39 MPH.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/20/05
Well, to quote a line from a long-forgotten play, "You can paint my face and dress my body, and I'm going to Rector's tonight to make a hit. And the hell with the rest." (Curtain). Anyone remember that one?
My mother was having a conniption and saying that Bloomberg was shutting down all transportation to New York...
For the record...I live in Jersey, and Bloomberg has no jurisdiction over NJ Transit Busses.
Unless shows are going to put everyone in hotels, if the MTA cancels subways and buses, they will be no way for theatre personnel to get to the theatres. No actors, no stagehands, no shows.
I live within a 15-minute walk of most Broadway theatres. If I volunteer to harbor an actor, do I get to pick which one?
I'll be happy to take an actor or two....
Hoping there are some hurricane deals.... we'll see how this will all play out.
hushpuppy - I know of at least one show that has asked their performers and crew to stay with friends as close to the theater as possible, and they may actually be getting hotel rooms for those with nowhere else to stay. As long as the audience shows up, the performance will happen.
I know New World is going to be open all weekend and is beefing up staff.
I understand the show must go on, but I hope there is some consideration to exchange tickets for a later date. I have tickets for Follies this sunday and will probably eat the cost. But what can I do, I'm stranded in DC. All amtrak service has been cancelled, the airports are being shut down and state troopers are advising us to stay of the road starting tomorrow night. I mean what am I suppose to do? It's not like I'm skipping the show to stay home for a Jersey Shore rerun?
I am sure there will be consideration for exchanges.... These theatres also need to think about the safety of their patrons in addition to if the actors are there...
I'm sure allowances are made for stuff like this. Call Ticketmaster/Telecharge tomorrow morning. I recall stories of people getting their money back or getting tickets for a future show in cases such as this - even if the show went on
I thought Debbie Reynolds was great in this.
if mass transit is suspended in and out of NYC, I could see shows cancelling, especially if their employees can't make it in, let alone an audience.
If they do close MTA, then I think its safe to say that SOME shows might not perform...at least the "Smaller" budget ones that can't afford to put most of their cast/crew up in hotels. Some bigger shows (POTO, Spider-man, WICKED, Book of Mormon) will most likely put their company up in hotels.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/20/05
If the subways and transit are shut down or if we actually get a hurricane in the city I think the shows, would either close or, if they remain open, should honor replacement tickets.
There is also a good chance that the power will be out Sunday, if we get hit as hard as they say we are. Do any of the theatres even have generators?
They are definitely going to shut the subway trains down, I don't think it's going to be that bad but I'm going to stay in my place instead of risking getting stranded just to see a show.
Videos