Which shows will Covid-19 end? — Page 2

Very curious about what happens with the Tonys.

Whenever Broadway reopens, it will be within the League's best interest to extend the nominating window until 4-7 wks after resuming perfs, followed by the Awards ceremony. It is Broadway's most important advertising tool, and the shows that survive it will need the exposure more than ever.

But, that also raises questions about the dates for the 2020-21 season, if they hope to keep the ceremony in June 2021.

As for which shows make it, I don't even want to begin guessing. I bet we'll also see the closure of at least one prestigious not-for-profit theatre who can't weather the storm.

To quote Avenue Q, it sucks.

The economic hit everyone will be taking during and after this doesn't help either. With so many losing income and tourism building gradually, there is no chance for Broadway to come back with the same insane ticket prices. It will be an extreme luxury to most.

The shows that survive would have to be sure hits or have extremely low running costs.

While I think that it would be wonderful from a consumer's standpoint to see lower ticket prices all around, I simply don't think that's feasible from a producer's standpoint. Even with how high ticket prices are today, a large percentage of shows still don't recoup. Lower costs will lead to even less shows recouping, which in turn will provide less incentive for producers to keep bringing shows to the Great White Way. I don't see it happening.

There has been a lot discussion, in this thread and others, regarding the fate of the current season's shows. What do you suppose will happen to the long-running stalwarts like The Lion King, Wicked, Chicago, and Phantom? And how does theatre rental work in a situation like this - do the shows have to pay the theatre even while the venue itself is closed?

blaxx said: "The economic hit everyone will be taking during and after this doesn't help either. With so many losing income and tourism building gradually, there is no chance for Broadway to come back with the same insane ticket prices. It will be an extreme luxury to most.

The shows that survive would have to be sure hits or have extremely low running costs."

Yup. This may not have easier to weather if it was a month, but if it ends up being 2-3 months, then it's going to really hit the economy hard. Tourism will have ground to a halt and many locals will largely have lived off savings for possibly months.



Impossible2 said: The main reason they closed Broadway apart from public safety was so everyone's insurance policies kicked in and whatever loses they incur will be covered.

Yes, this is true. They couldn't call it themselves and file claims. But if shut down by the city, they could. Hopefully, that help some stay on their feet. But the longer the wait, the less likely, of course.

I saw HANGMEN on Wednesday and I think Riedel is right and it won't return. Shame, because it was fantastic.

singerunlimited said: "I'm assuming all of the long-running/recouped shows will be able to weather the storm, yes?"

Not necessarily. If a few of them were surviving by barely breaking even, then it may not be wise to re-open. There is no way they will just immediately go back to the same profits.

blaxx said: "singerunlimited said: "I'm assuming all of the long-running/recouped shows will be able to weather the storm, yes?"

Not necessarily. If a few of them were surviving by barely breaking even, then it may not be wise to re-open. There is no way they will just immediately go back to the same profits."

Name 1 apart from Chicago which has been on it's last legs for a while...

JVJ93 said: "Y’all are crazy. This closure is not lasting 3 months."

If you DON'T think this is a possibility, you're being straight up foolhardy. This more likely than anyone cares to admit. I've already taken some major hits in my own life, and already have received an expected notification about an important job opportunity being postponed til heaven knows when. While I currently think 3 months is less likely then 2, lets be honest...we're right on the cusp of 3 becoming a reality. Take nothing for granted. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Let's please not forget that whenever these venues open up again, it's still going to be considered a risk to go into a large space for a few months. COVID won't disappear overnight. So, yes, we'll see discounts out of necessity, because no show will be at capacity in the first few weeks. People may also be fearful of spending money if the stock market continues to bounce.

Truly scary and uncertain times.

singerunlimited said: "Agreed! I am really surprised that Phantom is the show everyone keeps bringing up as being in limbo because of the virus. It's been running for 32 years and is still selling well. Yes, much of its longevity is due to tourism. But surely this wouldn't give them reason to close it down after this long.

According to the latest update from Riedel, he has spoken to Webber who says it's not closing:https://nypost.com/2020/03/12/the-show-will-go-on-how-broadway-will-survive-coronavirus/"

Of course it's not, the rumour was bollocks from the start x

As a die hard theater fan, my daughter and I will be back to see shows ASAP. But what about the tourists? Are people going to go on vacations and trips? The tourist dollars are a big chunk of the ticket sales for the shows.

According to Roundabout's email, they're definitely still trying to produce 72 Miles to Go..., Caroline, or Change, and Birthday Candles:

"Meanwhile, Roundabout has made a commitment to pay our artists and staff during this shutdown, for their livelihood and our ongoing work to ensure we have great theatre—including 72 Miles to Go..., Caroline, or Change, and Birthday Candles—ready to share with you soon."

I'm pretty doubtful that any of the long running shows will close after this, though I wonder if Moulin Rouge's costs will catch up to them, especially if they have a much smaller tourist season than originally anticipated. Shows like Book of Mormon, Come From Away and Dear Evan Hansen could be on the decline too, but that's a shot in the dark from my end.