Where are Broadway's Leaders?

In other areas of entertainment and in the UK they're being transparent about when shows do and don't hope to return, changes that they're looking at for the economic model and for cleaning/safety.

For example:

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Andrew-Lloyd-Webber-is-Using-The-London-Palladium-to-Develop-Methods-for-Returning-to-Theater-20200528

We've heard that there's almost 2 dozen League committees - shouldn't there be more communication with the audience other than the September 'refund' date that we know isn't tied to a ticket return date.

What are they doing day to day to plan for a re-opening? What's being looked at for those in the creative space - agencies, actors, stage hands, designers, etc. who are faced with the prospect of no work and no communication?

Publicly at least, we seem to just be waiting for a miracle drug or for someone else to take the lead.

Deena Jones said: "Jordan Roth has been relatively quiet in Instagram. At least he’s not flaunting his rather unique fashion “sense”"

That's true nothing since April on his social media outlets not even his silly stupid fashion posts or flauting his life style out in the Hamptons....he's been silent through all of this as he's usually more vocal and supportive w/ BWAY.

Sutton Ross said: "He's been called out for flaunting his sh*t on IG so.....I guess he isn't doing that while sunning himself in the Hamptons?

"LOL offices open next week-Monday in NYC...wondering if Jordan-Jujamcyn will be in their offices?

Hogan, I found Charlotte St. Martin's interview (Deadline, I think?) kind of refreshing in its bluntness. And it proved the point that any kind of statement is kind of impossible right now: NOBODY KNOWS when Broadway is reopening, what it will look like, what the world will look like in a month or a year, when group restrictions will be lifted... It would be lovely if there was a leader to guide Broadway right now, but I think it could come across as BS or an annoying attempt to pontificate without fully understanding the subject.

I understand what you're saying but like others have said, there's just too much unknown. We're hearing a lot more from Hollywood because they are much closer to reopening. Some shows will likely be up and filming within the next month or so while others will obviously have to wait soon. So that's why there's more concrete details on things. Also, they can work around social distancing and other regulations to a large extent and we all know theater will have a hard time doing that on a large scale until distancing restrictions are eased. So sadly I think there's not many leaders saying anything because there's just not much to say yet.

Broadway Flash said: "There should be a leader with an opinion. Simply saying "nobody knows" is not a good trait of a leader. I wish there was someone who could speak honestly about whats going on in terms of when the theatre should reopen, andhow it should reopen."

"Nobody knows" is the honest truth. That's what's going on. There will be plenty of time to discuss reopening before there is a reopening but for now a good trait of leadership is to avoid misleading people. Moreover, leaders should speak facts, not opinions. What is it that you are expecting right now?

Andrew Lloyd Webber is the only leader I see. He has actually tried to have a conversation about the future of theatre, and constantly talks about the importance of it, and is a huge champion and advocate of the art form. He has come up with innovative new ways to change the theatre so that it can reopen. He has donated a lot of money over the years to the arts and music education. He has released good content during these times, and started The Show Must Go On so people can enjoy musical theatre from their homes, while raising money for the actors fund. Everyone else in the business is just wack, and more people should aspire to be like him.

Updated On: 6/21/20 at 11:01 AM

Like others have said... there's nothing to report. What exactly can these theatres do differently when they re-open? Most shows can't survive on 50% occupancy so Broadway isn't going to come back until it can fully come back business as usual and that's not going to be until after the new year unfortunately.

HogansHero said: "Broadway Flash said: "Andrew Lloyd Webber is the only leader I see. He has actually tried to have a conversation about the future of theatre, and constantly talks about the importance of it, and is a huge champion and advocate ofthe art form. He has come up with innovative new ways to change the theatre so that it can reopen. He has donated a lot of money over the years to the arts and music education.He has released good content during these times, and started The Show Must Go On so people can enjoy musical theatre from their homes, while raising money for the actors fund.Everyone else in the business is just wack, and more people should aspire to be like him."

He is delusional Tory. I wouldn't be so fast to advocate that as an aspiration."

I don't know if it's delusion or wishful thinking, but I agree that it isn't an aspiration to have, when there are still so many unknowns. And while he does come across as sincere about his love of theater, there is still that aspect of self-interest. And it should be pointed out, that he gets too much credit for the "Show Must Go On" series. Universal, as the distributor for these recordings, is responsible for the series. He even stated it outright it was their decision when it was officially announced.

Fosse76 said: "I don't know if it's delusion or wishful thinking, but I agree that it isn't an aspiration to have, when there are still so many unknowns. And while he does come across as sincere about his love of theater, there is still that aspect of self-interest.And it should be pointed out, that hegets too much credit for the "Show Must Go On" series. Universal, as the distributor for these recordings, is responsible for the series. He even stated it outright it was their decision when it was officially announced."

I agree. No reason to discount that there is a part of him that, like all theatre-goers, is eager for the return of live theatre, but it cannot escape our attention that he is also one of the largest stakeholders.