'Aladdin' reopening on Broadway after COVID breakthrough cases cause cancellation
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- Disney's "Aladdin" will resume on Broadway Thursday after breakthrough COVID-19 cases canceled Wednesday night's performance, just one day after the show reopened for the first time in 18 months.
"Our extensive protocol system to test our employees and identify positive cases worked and allowed us to act immediately to contain those cases," the production said in a statement. "Given the thoroughness of our COVID protocols and a vaccinated workforce, we remain confident that the environment is safe for our guests, cast, crew and musicians."
Members of Disney Theatrical's companies are required to be fully vaccinated, and officials said two more rounds of testing -- one rapid and one lab based-PCR -- have shown no additional breakthrough cases in the "Aladdin" cast.
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Each cast member in Disney Theatrical's four North American companies (Aladdin Broadway, Frozen North American tour and The Lion King on Broadway and on tour) is PCR-tested six times a week, which exceeds the Actors Equity requirement of two antigen tests per week.
Six full time COVID safety supervisors have been hired since the productions resumed, and all audience members age 12 and up must be fully vaccinated.
Audiences under 12 must show proof of negative PCR or antigen test, and all audiences must wear a mask at all times while in the theatre.
Wednesday marked the first Broadway COVID-19 cancellation since shows resumed with Bruce Springsteen's concert returning in July and "Pass Over" as the first play to debut in August.
The pandemic forced Broadway theaters to abruptly close on March 12, 2020, knocking out all shows and scrambling the spring season.
Several have restarted, including the so-called big three of "Wicked," "Hamilton" and "The Lion King."
All tickets were refunded for Wednesday night's show.
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