In the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic, the city of lights dimmed those of Broadway marquees. But with an increase in vaccinations and a decrease in cases, the curtains are being thrown back once more. Actors are being rehired, costume designers are opening up shop and audiences are being filled with onlookers eager for a human connection beyond the confines of their own four walls.

On September 14, Waitress, The Lion King, Wicked, Chicago, Hamilton, Pass Over, Lackawanna Blues, and Hadestown began performances once again. More shows are expected to follow in the coming months. Even off-Broadway shows are beginning to open for ticket purchase through the next few months. Stomp, Letters of Suresh, and Sanctuary City are the first. 

But why the delay? Slowly but surely the world is reopening, outdoor gatherings moved indoors, travel bans were lifted, and mask mandates are looser. What was taking so long to open the theatres? 

New York state has had the highest number of Covid 19 cases in the US since the beginning of the pandemic. Mayor Bill de Blasio explained that Broadway was closed for a number of reasons, but the most significant was the amount of outside tourism these shows attract. 

New York couldn’t afford another hit, an outbreak with no means of contact tracing. Besides, Broadway magic isn’t made in just one day. Actors have been out of commission for over a year. They must be rehired, retaught, and polished so that every performance in an eight-show week is flawless. Last but not least, Broadway executives needed to put together a list of appropriate rules and guidelines attendees should follow.

So yes, Broadway is opening its doors and it’s all very exciting, but entrance is granted based on new protocol. New rules and restrictions were placed in regards to who is allowed to buy a ticket and who is not. All 41 Broadway theatres will require you to show proof of vaccination upon entrance. On top of that, all theatre staff and performers are required to be fully vaccinated. The performance date must be at least two weeks, or fourteen days after you have received your second dosage. 

These mandates are more relaxed when it comes to attendees 12 years of age or younger, people with restricting medical issues, and those whose religious beliefs prevent vaccination. These guests must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time. You can find the full list of regulations  at https://www.broadway.org/info/covid-19-updates/  or on your designated theatre’s website. 

All of these rules and regulations are being upheld until Halloween, October 31. From there, the owners and operators are expecting regulation changes that aren’t as strict. 

Return to the magic of Broadway and book tickets to all of your favorite shows at https://www.broadway.com/shows/find-by-date/ as theatres ensure your safety and well being.