If Broadway producers do not decide to shut down theaters of their own accord, the government could force their hand
“I don’t want to see Broadway go dark if we can avoid it,” Bill de Blasio said. Photo: Busà Photography/Getty Images As the coronavirus continues to spread in New York City and the world, shutting down numerous cultural attractions and events, Broadway theaters remain open. Though there are major doubts about keeping theaters open for the sake of public safety, the billion-dollar New York industry has been resistant to shutting down. Now, it’s likely on the brink of closure.
If producers do not decide to shut down theaters of their own accord, the government could force their hand, though it has so far resisted doing so. Mayor Bill de Blasio, in an interview on CNN earlier this morning, said that he is developing guidelines that will include “more restrictions” in the city, including some form of limiting Broadway audiences. “I don’t want to see Broadway go dark if we can avoid it,” de Blasio said. “I want to see if we can strike some kind of balance.
Broadway attendance figures for this week won’t be released until the end of the week, but anecdotal evidence suggests attendance has fallen steeply. A typically packed show like Moulin Rouge! is available at a discount through TKTS, and Disney’s tourist-driven productions already saw sales flag last week. In response, producer Scott Rudin cut prices for several of his shows, including West Side Story and Virginia Woolf, to $50.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Broadway usher tests positive for coronavirus, affected theaters decide show must go onA Broadway usher in New York has tested positive for coronavirus. He recently worked at the Brooks Atkinson Theater where 'Six' will open on March 12.
Read more »
West Side Story's New Tony Doesn't Want to Mess With the OriginalIsaac Cole Powell, the 25-year-old lead in the gritty 2020 revival of West Side Story on Broadway, is showing a new side of Tony.
Read more »
'It's All Gone Pete Tong' Adaptation Headed To Off Broadway
Read more »
Donald Trump Bans Travel from Europe for 30 Days in Response to Coronavirus OutbreakDonald Trump explained that the restrictions will not apply to the United Kingdom
Read more »
U.S. did not coordinate, notify EU about travel restriction - diplomatThe United States did not coordinate on a sweeping restriction on European trave...
Read more »
EU leaders condemn Trump's travel ban amid coronavirus outbreakTrump announced Wednesday travel restrictions on 26 countries in Europe.
Read more »