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Coronavirus News: Broadway shows suspended through the summer due to COVID-19 pandemic

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Broadway shows suspended through the summer due to pandemic

The Broadway League announced Tuesday that performances have been canceled through the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- The Broadway League announced Tuesday that performances have been canceled through the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing suspension of Broadway performances continues until further notice, but the Broadway League says it continues to work with city and state officials to determine an appropriate date to raise the curtain again.

Broadway theaters are now offering refunds and exchanges for tickets purchased for performances through September 6, 2020.

"While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theatre - behind the curtain and in front of it - before shows can return," Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said. "The Broadway League's membership is working in cooperation with the theatrical unions, government officials, and health experts to determine the safest ways to restart our industry. Throughout this challenging time, we have been in close communication with Governor Cuomo's office and are grateful for his support and leadership as we work together to bring back this vital part of New York City's economy - and spirit."

Those holding tickets for performances through September 6, 2020 will receive an e-mail from their point of purchase with detailed information regarding refund and exchange options. Any customers holding tickets through September 6, 2020 that have not received an e-mail by May 18th are advised to contact their point of purchase for assistance after this date.

Broadway performances were suspended on March 12, 2020. At that time, 31 productions were running, including eight new shows in previews. Additionally, eight productions were in rehearsals preparing to open in the spring.

The Broadway League will continue to provide updates to the public as decisions are made.

Actors' Equity Association issued the following statement, calling the decisions "difficult but necessary":

Actors' Equity Association, the national labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, released the following statement regarding media reports that the Broadway League would be refunding Broadway tickets through September 6.

"Today the Broadway League took a difficult but necessary action to put the safety of everyone from the audience to the actors and stage managers first," said Mary McColl, executive director of Actors' Equity Association. "Before our members can safely return to work, we will need new protocols that protect audiences and workers alike."

Last month, Equity announced that public health expert Dr. David Michaels, who formerly led OSHA for President Obama, will consult for the union to help develop new model health and safety standards for COVID-19. Dr. Michaels is key to helping Equity develop a plan where member safety is put first and decisions are made with a clear safety and scientific basis.