Broadway shows return to the stage

446

By Emily Roberts Jones

Street art covers the sidewalks of Times Square with the #Phantomisback as Broadway slowly but steadily reopens after the closures due to COVID-19.

Universe Live reporter Emily Roberts Jones was in New York City during the opening night of “Phantom of the Opera” where a big block party happened on the street. The cast was elated and people went wild for the show’s first performance since COVID-19 closed it.

New Yorkers and theater lovers everywhere are rejoicing as the performances are getting back into full swing.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of “Phantom of the Opera,” was the DJ for the block party where he played remixed versions of songs from his famous musical. Manhattan loved it.

“I’m so excited. I love to see Broadway theatre and all the other theaters, it’s really great to have that energy back in my life,” Columbia University dramaturgy candidate Amelia Johnson said.

Even the politicians are celebrating the return of theater. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made an appearance at the Ambassador Theatre during the intermission of the Friday night show of “Chicago.”

“Thank you for supporting the arts. Thank you for supporting Broadway,” Hochul said.

But what are the conditions to stay open? Masks are not only required in the theater, but they are strictly enforced. Employees walk around with signs at the entrance and in the auditorium and aren’t afraid to tell people to behave.

It’s also required that you present your vaccination card and ID at the front door. Theater lovers don’t mind, they’re just happy to be back in the action again.

“I like to enjoy theater but I also like to study it to see how I can make my own work better,” Johnson said.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email