Times Square Update: Official Broadway League Statement

"There were no evacuations from Broadway theaters last night. Due to police activity that closed a few streets in Times Square , there were some late curtains but all shows did go on. For exchanges or refunds, theatregoers should contact their point of purchase. All Broadway matinee and evening shows will go on as scheduled today. The proper authorities are doing their jobs to keep Times Square safe for everyone, and Broadway shows are setting their stages to delight audiences."

- Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director, The Broadway League

It's been reported that all barricades and street closures related to last night's bomb scare incident were removed early this morning with normal traffic resuming in the area by 7:30 AM.

All Broadway shows are expected to perform as scheduled today and those who purchased tickets for shows yesterday evening that they were unable to use should contact their point of purchase for refund / exchange details.

A full list of shows affected by last night have not yet been made available, but further details are expected later today. Audience reports say that multiple shows including RED, GOD OF CARNAGE, IN THE HEIGHTS, LEND ME A TENOR and THE LION KING began late yesterday evening, but no cancellations took place.

Beginning at approximately 6:45 PM last night, only sketchy details were available, but BroadwayWorld.com brought you updates throughout the night. Local New York news stations including ABC and CBS first reported that police closed off a portion of Times Square this evening at around 6:35pm and evacuated the immediate area due to a bomb scare. 

Streets were closed on Broadway from 44th to 47th which they are reporting resulted in delays for multiple (unspecified) Broadway shows. A car fire is said to have spotted by a street vendor in an SUV that was parked on 45th street, west of Broadway.

It's been reported that the vehicle, whose license plates didn't match the car, was driven into Times Square with its lights flashing and then abandoned by the driver. Police reports this morning say that the Nissan SUV had multiple propane and gasoline tanks in the back seat as well as other 'amateur' bomb making materials. The investigation will continue today as police review the many cameras in the area and other leads. 

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly spoke to the press at 2:15 AM to provide the latest updates, the video of which you can watch here.

More updates to come in the morning as they're available.

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