Broadway reopening

Jordan Catalano Profile Photo
Jordan Catalano
#100Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 1:11pm

I’m expecting a barrage of phone calls from MTC, LCT & Roundabout in the coming weeks to buy subscription packages which I’m sure will be announced very soon.

Sutton Ross Profile Photo
Sutton Ross
#101Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 1:17pm

why is the idea of spacing out seats so obtuse?

Have you been around here for the past year? Because if you have, you would have read hundreds upon hundreds of replies to this very question. You cannot rope off or remove seats from a Broadway theater. Why? Because it's a commercial, for profit business. They could, out of the kindness of their little hearts, have 50% capacity just to get people in the door. But, they will never do that. Ever. They want to make as much money as possible when Broadway reopens and a reducing capacity doesn't make that happen and makes buying their beach house in Malibu a much slower process. Nothing obtuse about it. 

Sutton Ross Profile Photo
Sutton Ross
#102Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 1:17pm

why is the idea of spacing out seats so obtuse?

Have you been around here for the past year? Because if you have, you would have read hundreds upon hundreds of replies to this very question. You cannot rope off or remove seats from a Broadway theater. Why? Because it's a commercial, for profit business. They could, out of the kindness of their little hearts, have 50% capacity just to get people in the door. But, they will never do that. Ever. They want to make as much money as possible when Broadway reopens and a reducing capacity doesn't make that happen and makes buying their beach house in Malibu a much slower process. Nothing obtuse about it. 

HogansHero Profile Photo
HogansHero
#103Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 1:22pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I’m expecting a barrage of phone calls from MTC, LCT & Roundabout in the coming weeks to buy subscription packages which I’m sure will be announced very soon."

Thank you for reminding me to upgrade my call-blocking software on my new phone. 

SJAfan
#104Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 2:48pm

I'm hoping (though I know it's probably worthless) that LCT will extend linctix another year or till 40 like hiptix did... Feels like those of us who turned 35 in 2020 lost out on so many good deals! I can easily afford to go to a show as a linctix member, but as a LCT member? Not even close... 

Call_me_jorge Profile Photo
Call_me_jorge
#105Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 4:16pm

The wicked tour announcing its reopening in august seems strange to me. I guess it makes sense to do so in Texas where restrictions are the most lax next to Florida, but no way all the states will be reopen to theatre by that time, especially where they can open to 100 percent capacity.


In our millions, in our billions, we are most powerful when we stand together. TW4C unwaveringly joins the worldwide masses, for we know our liberation is inseparably bound. Signed, Theater Workers for a Ceasefire https://theaterworkersforaceasefire.com/statement

schubox
#106Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 4:37pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I’m expecting a barrage of phone calls from MTC, LCT & Roundabout in the coming weeks to buy subscription packages which I’m sure will be announced very soon."

I got sent a lengthy survey from Roundabout last week all about when I would come back, when I would feel safe, etc. 

Phantom of London Profile Photo
Phantom of London
#107Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 7:18pm

ACL2006 said: "My hypothetical reopening schedule:

Week of September 7: Hamilton, Wicked, Lion King, Phantom, Book of Mormon

Week of September 28: Chicago, Come From Away, Hadestown, Dear Evan Hansen, Moulin Rouge

Week of October 12: Six, Tina, West Side Story, Aladdin, Harry Potter

Week of October 26: Jagged Little Pill, Ain't Too Proud, Too Kill A Mockingbird, American Utopia, Girl From the North Country

Week of November 9: Diana, Mrs. Doubtfire, Flying Over Sunset, Company, Plaza Suite

TBD: American Buffalo, Caroline, or Change, Lackawanna Blues, The Lehman Trilogy, MJ: the Musical, Take me Out, Thoughts of a Colored Man, Trouble In Mind, The Who's Tommy


Your proposed list is interesting, I see you have gone with the big heavyweights first, some might say these are tourist friendly shows and could struggle to get any traction without tourists.

I agree with you on opening Hamilton as the nut is quite low and will sell well regardless, I also agree with The Lion King as this is a family friendly show and will appeal to a different demographic. I would argue to open Six straight away, as this is a new show, highly anticipated, will get reviewed and will get people talking about theatre again, and which is a good thing. I would also prioritise opening The Lehman Trilogy and Plaza Suite, as plays have always been more popular with the locals and will pull people in from the tri-states. This will be a good acid test how to proceed next. This opening will give circa 6000 seats per showtime.

I agree on your second batch with Moulin Rouge, Come From Away, Hadestown, maybe Dear Evan Hansen, but I would also go with Company as it is a new show, Stephen Sondheim is popular and again create media interest and get people talking about theatre, which is a good thing. This opening will add another circa 5200 seats per showtime. 

It maybe ambitious but if possible try and get as much open for the holiday season.

Updated On: 5/4/21 at 07:18 PM

BCfitasafiddle
#108Broadway reopening
Posted: 5/4/21 at 7:21pm

I would go see Gettin' the Band Back Together again if I could see a Broadway show.

Well, maybe not. But, I'd see a lot of things I didn't like and probably still cry.

Luminaire2 Profile Photo
Luminaire2
#109Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/3/21 at 11:24pm

Just bumping this to congratulate Wicked for reopening tonight on tour, the first tour to reopen, and probably the first hit Broadway show back in America.

I am seeing on Twitter the audience is going wild.

DiscoCrows Profile Photo
DiscoCrows
#110Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/3/21 at 11:59pm

Just got out of Wicked in Dallas, it was impeccable. Haven’t been in such an energetic audience since the first performance back at Hadestown post-Tonys. There were some news stations at the venue filming the event and interviewing some folks, definitely lots of fans of the show. Most characters got prolonged entrance applauses, and Allison absolutely stopped the show for a couple seconds with her ‘It’s good to see me, isn’t it?’ as one might hope haha. Had not ever seen Talia in anything before, she was a highlight and pulled off some really impressive vocal riffs, especially in NGD, reminded me a bit of Jessica Vosk’s riffing. 

Music Hall at Fair Park seats about 3,400 patrons, it was pretty much completely sold out. Didn’t see anyone unmasked at all, felt about as safe as it realistically could be given the circumstances. And wow. Felt amazing holding a freshly printed Playbill in my hands for the first time in a good while. Over the moon.

Updated On: 8/4/21 at 11:59 PM

SmoothLover Profile Photo
SmoothLover
#111Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/4/21 at 12:05am

It will be interesting to see how full the houses are for everything that opens. It seems in the beginning there will be some good deals to be had.

Kitsune Profile Photo
Kitsune
#112Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/4/21 at 2:56am

I grabbed tickets for the first performance of Hamilton in San Francisco next week, and am debating whether or not to go. My partner and I are both vaccinated and (comparatively) young, but we're also thoroughly scared of the Delta Variant.

bear88
#113Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/4/21 at 3:36am

I go back and forth. We got refunds for the Eva Noblezada concert at Feinstein’s at the Nikko due to a minor Covid scare involving a member of our party. It didn’t feel right to go without her.

But my partner and I might see Song of Summer at the San Francisco Playhouse on Friday. It will be a late decision but we will probably go.

I did see another movie in a nearly deserted theater last weekend even though they don’t require proof of vaccination.

There is the rational risk assessment aspect of these sorts of decisions along with the paranoid side. Outdoor ballgame that isn’t too crowded anyway? Yes. Small theater like the San Francisco Playhouse that is leaving some seats vacant and has first row loge seats available? Fine. Crowded large indoor venue like the Orpheum? I don’t think I am ready for that, but it’s not entirely rational. For now, I wouldn’t be comfortable in a packed theater, as the Hamilton shows will be. That doesn’t make me right, and part of me envies you getting to be there for the big reopening if you decide to go. (If you don’t, it will be easy to unload the tickets.) 

Delta has definitely added a level of uncertainty and concern I was hoping to start putting behind me. How that affects theater attendance is hard to say. After the first week or two, I assume things will depend on whether there are many cases linked to theatergoing as well as the overall Delta variant situation. And for now, there still aren’t a lot of options, in San Francisco or on Broadway. That will change soon, though.

Updated On: 8/4/21 at 03:36 AM

BroadwayRox3588 Profile Photo
BroadwayRox3588
#114Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/4/21 at 7:23am

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1125544

How about we put concerns about the Delta variant in the above thread, and celebrate the return of live theatre in this one? Broadway is reopening tonight. We've been waiting for this for almost 17 months. 

Updated On: 8/4/21 at 07:23 AM

TravisOKC
#115Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/5/21 at 11:01am

DiscoCrows said: "Just got out of Wicked in Dallas, it was impeccable. Haven’t been in such an energetic audience since the first performance back at Hadestown post-Tonys.There were some news stations at the venue filming the event and interviewing some folks, definitely lots of fans of the show. Most characters got prolonged entrance applauses, and Allisonabsolutely stopped the show for a couple seconds with her ‘It’s good to see me, isn’t it?’ as one might hope haha. Had not ever seen Talia in anything before, she was a highlight and pulled off some really impressive vocal riffs, especially in NGD, reminded me a bit of Jessica Vosk’s riffing.

Music Hall at Fair Park seats about 3,400 patrons, it was pretty much completely sold out. Didn’t see anyone unmasked at all, felt about as safe as it realistically could be given the circumstances. And wow. Felt amazing holding a freshly printed Playbill in my hands for the first time in a good while. Over the moon.
"



I too was at opening night in Dallas. The audience was electric, the cast was on fire and in tears during the opening number...such an incredible night. I saw a handful of people not wearing masks through out the evening. I personally would have felt safe if it were a mask optional evening. It was a beautiful and very much a memorable night of theatre...glad to have been there...can't wait for more shows to open up. Only thing i hope for is that the new strand of covid doesn't screw things up.

bear88
#116Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/7/21 at 3:56am

Hey, I saw a play Friday night for the first time since February 2020 at the San Francisco Playhouse. I was more careful and wore an N95 mask but the vaccination check was handled without any fuss.

While the play, Lauren Yee’s The Song of Summer, was flawed, two moments stood out. The first was an error in which a living room painting referenced in the script made a belated appearance as it was lowered on a wire from above in the middle of the scene, and the actors improvised a few lines that made light of it. The second was the best purely comic scene in the play, well-written and performed. You could feel the energy in the theater rise during that scene.

It’s something I have definitely missed. And it was very nice to be there.

Updated On: 8/7/21 at 03:56 AM

Alexander Lamar
#117Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/7/21 at 2:25pm

Anyone else gone on a hiatus from cast recordings? I used to listen to the Hadestown OBCR at least twice a week but haven’t touched it since I purchased my ticket for the show. I still want to hear it, but I think for me it will make hearing it in person that much more special. Only four more weeks!

EDSOSLO858 Profile Photo
EDSOSLO858
#118Broadway reopening
Posted: 8/7/21 at 5:52pm

I’m waiting for the “Girl From the North Country” OBCR to be released on 8/20.

I can’t wait to hear the sounds of the 2021-22 season in the months to come!


Oh look, a bibu!

uncageg Profile Photo
uncageg
#119Broadway reopening
Posted: 9/7/21 at 8:03pm

Figured this was a good thread to share this in. NHK-Japan has a show called Deeper LOOK- from NEW YORK. Their current episode is on the re-opening of theater in New York. Covers a lot that has been discussed here and elsewhere. Producer Lee Seymour (The Inheritance) is the guest. He talks about how he thinks Broadway will return and US tourism vs International tourism's impact. It is a short 14 minute segment. 

 

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2085043/


Just give the world Love.

Elfuhbuh Profile Photo
Elfuhbuh
#120Broadway reopening
Posted: 9/7/21 at 9:57pm

My first musical in over a year is going to be the My Fair Lady tour in a couple weeks. I probably won’t be able to stop myself from crying for much of it.


"Was uns befreit, das muss stärker sein als wir es sind." -Tanz der Vampire

BCfitasafiddle
#121Broadway reopening
Posted: 9/11/21 at 1:19am

Saw Waitress this evening. Wow. Better than when I saw it in 2016. Sara's Jenna is beautiful, vulnerable, timid, but strong willed. She's becoming a more wonderful actress with each performance.

The rest of the cast. What can you say? It's an MVP group of sorts. Gehling, Fitzgerald, Houlahan, Dawson, Matthews, Anderson... All wonderful. Ensemble is alive and enjoying it. The understudy for Nurse Norma was a hoot.

I've come to really like the direction/choreography/style of the show more over time. When I saw it originally I was so struck by Jessie Mueller's performance. Tonight I feel like I saw the show as a whole. It's a really beautiful piece, although a cheesy book at times with predictable lines. 

One thing that bothered me was the scenic changes. I understand the theatre is different than the Brooks. However, seeing the crew member come onstage in the middle of "She Used to Be Mine" to take the sofa couch offstage was a bit... frustrating. It looked like it was attached to ropes or chords to pull it off, but it didn't go properly. Other things that were pushed instead of automated were fine overall. The show carries on.

Glad to have it back!

PeterC6482
#122Broadway reopening
Posted: 9/11/21 at 9:19am

It's not that the Ethel Barrymore is different..it's actually a superior house to the Brooks Atkinson. The set has less automation to save money.

alex814
#123Broadway reopening
Posted: 9/16/21 at 10:44am

Has anyone here who’s gone to a show recently (and got vaccinated in New Jersey) had any trouble using the Docket app as your proof of vaccination when entering?

ACL2006 Profile Photo
ACL2006
#124Broadway reopening
Posted: 9/21/21 at 2:30pm

It's interesting to see that most shows aren't doing 8 performances a week right away. Even Hamilton is only scheduled for 7 shows this week.

 

Broadway Schedule 9/20-9/26


A Chorus Line revival played its final Broadway performance on August 17, 2008. The tour played its final performance on August 21, 2011. A new non-equity tour started in October 2012 played its final performance on March 23, 2013. Another non-equity tour launched on January 20, 2018. The tour ended its US run in Kansas City and then toured throughout Japan August & September 2018.
Updated On: 9/21/21 at 02:30 PM