A stormy controversy is brewing on Broadway! While New York braces for a snowstorm, most Broadway shows are determined to go on, leaving some performers feeling a chill in the air.
The Broadway League, representing theater owners and producers, announced that most shows will perform as scheduled, despite the state of emergency. This decision has sparked a chilly response from actors like Jenna Bainbridge, who plays Nessarose in Wicked, and her castmate Danny Quadrino. They question the safety of theater workers and ticket holders, especially with the harsh weather conditions.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some performers, like Telly Leung from the immersive Phantom of the Opera reboot, are urging the Broadway League and the mayor to prioritize the well-being of theater workers and patrons. With temperatures dropping and snow mounting, the health and safety of everyone involved should be the top priority, they argue.
As of now, only a handful of Broadway shows have canceled their Sunday performances. Both The Lion King and Aladdin have officially axed their shows, with refunds offered for today's tickets. Off Broadway, Heathers: The Musical has also canceled its matinee and evening performances, prioritizing the safety of its cast and audience.
And this is the part most people miss... Despite the snow, Broadway rarely shuts down due to weather. The last industry-wide closing was a decade ago, during a massive blizzard in 2016. However, with the current situation, some shows are taking a different approach. Bug, a Manhattan Theatre Club offering, is offering a flash sale for today's matinee, encouraging patrons to brave the storm. Other shows, like Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, are inviting audiences to escape the snow and warm up with their performances.
Some shows are even embracing the snow day spirit. The musical Six writes, "The Queens are reigning at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Get down at the castle and warm up with Six!" Chess adds, "Game on!" with their 3 p.m. matinee going ahead as planned. Even Stranger Things: The First Shadow is sticking to its schedule, with both performances set for Sunday.
So, what's the verdict? While some shows are toughing it out, others are prioritizing safety. With the situation evolving, ticket holders are advised to stay updated through individual show websites and Instagram pages.
What do you think? Should Broadway shows go on despite the weather, or should safety always come first? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
