Feb. 15, 2022
By Alexis Goula
Staff Writer
Broadway is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. During the 2018-2019 season, musicals that performed on Broadway generated over $1.43 billion in revenue. However, all of that changed when Broadway shut down during the pandemic.
Broadway shows reopened on Sept. 14 but were severely impacted by the surge in Covid-19 cases in December and January.
Consolidated earnings of $18 million for 27 Broadway productions were down 31% from $26 million for the week ending Jan. 9, which coincided with the peak of the Omicron surge. The total attendance for the 27 productions was 156,986, meaning that nearly 40% of available seats were unoccupied.
The news radio station NPR reported that in December, as many as half of Broadway’s shows had shut down because of breakthrough Covid-19 cases among the cast and crew.
“So many shows have needed to shut down for extended amounts of time or indefinitely because they just can’t run the actual performances due to a lack of actors.”
“Ain’t Too Proud,” “Hamilton,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” “Jagged Little Pill” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” were among the productions that canceled shows due to Covid-19. “Ain’t Too Proud” closed permanently on Jan. 16 and “Jagged Little Pill” had its final performance on Dec. 17. “Mrs. Doubtfire” suspended its performances from Jan. 10 through March 14 as a proactive measure to avoid closing permanently.
Music teacher Mr. Cardone, who teaches the Modern Broadway Musicals elective at LHS, said swings have been especially crucial in keeping shows open during the pandemic. He said they have one of the most difficult jobs on Broadway because they are the understudies for several ensemble roles and step in and take center stage when the cast members are ill.
“Swings are having to improvise constantly and adapt at literally the strike of lightning,” Cardone said. “They are constantly shifting the roles they are playing on stage.”
He said Covid-19 has given swings and understudies new opportunities.
“Understudies have a better chance of performing in lead roles more frequently,” Cardone said.
Covid-19 has not stopped sophomore Ava Bruzzio from going to the theater. On Jan. 19, she saw the musical “Moulin Rouge,” which is based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 hit film.
“I wanted to see it because the music was amazing, and I love the time period it takes place in. The story is also right up my alley,” Bruzzio said.
Performances of “Moulin Rouge” were canceled between Dec. 23-25 due to the positive Covid-19 test results within the company, but Bruzzio said she felt safe when she saw the show.
“You have to have a vaccine to even get into the theater, so the threat of Covid was at least lowered. You were also required to wear a mask at all times, so that helped too,” Bruzzio said.
English teacher Mrs. Ruiz, who directs LHS’ musicals, said the biggest challenge Broadway is facing is keeping the actors healthy.
“So many shows have needed to shut down for extended amounts of time or indefinitely because they just can’t run the actual performances due to a lack of actors,” Ruiz said.
Since Broadway’s reopening in September, Ruiz has seen “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Chicago” and “Jagged Little Pill.” Although I was a little nervous about being in such close quarters for an extended amount of time, I felt comforted knowing that masks and proof of vaccination were required,” Ruiz said. “I was extremely impressed with the enforcement of the mask rule throughout the entire performance.”
