Broadway has brought music and joy to the stage and to viewers that come from all over the world every year since Christmas of 1924. It offered an opportunity to escape the hard times of the Great Depression and was a pioneer throughout the Civil Rights Era by allowing voices to be heard in a different manner: a musical manner!

The immense joy that Broadway musicals bring to people each and every show made Broadway’s shut down all the more disheartening. Broadway shut down on March 12, 2020, due to COVID-19 and didn’t open back up until just last month. Broadway has not been closed this long since its opening, and it took a major hit. 

COVID’s Devastating Impact on The Big White Way

Broadway typically employs somewhere near 97,000 people. That is almost one hundred thousand people who had to find other ways to support themselves and their families throughout the pandemic. To bring back the large crowds that once attended shows, The Broadway League has joined Oprah Winfrey in launching a ‘welcome back’ campaign. The campaign, called ‘This Is Broadway’, is working to allow these workers to keep living their dreams both on stage and behind the scenes. 

The Big White Way, a common nickname for Broadway, was one of the many large companies that will have to work hard to rebound from the shockwaves this pandemic has caused. They aren’t taking anything lightly, with audience members being required to wear masks and show proof of vaccinations. Intermissions and autograph opportunities at stage doors are a thing of the past. Furthermore, many shows are being shortened to just 90 minutes. 

A Quick Preview

This month, both The Phantom of the Opera and Trouble in Mind return to the stage. Next month, 7 plays make their return, with Harry Potter and The Cursed Child making headlines. This originally two-part play has been condensed into just one continuous act. Over five hours of theatre will be shortened significantly. 

Many of the crews of the shows that are being shortened have spoken out in support. President of the Board of The Drama League Bonnie Comley said, “It’s really like seeing a new show again.” A new spark has been lit in the burning passion for theatre in audiences and performers. 

Nothing Like It 

Broadway is an atmosphere unlike any other. People travel thousands of miles to experience the talent, hard work, and passion that goes into these performances. The world has missed Broadway greatly, but the wait is over. Broadway is back and better than ever!