Covid Cancellations Hit Broadway

In the past week, several Broadway shows have had to cancel performances due to breakthrough Covid cases within the show’s company.

What’s Been Happening?

On Wednesday, December 16, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Hamilton and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announced they were canceling performances that day –Tina canceled both of its performances, Cursed Child canceled its matinee and Hamilton canceled its evening performance. These cancellations were in addition to those already announced. The new musical adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire canceled all performances from Sunday through Wednesday. Additionally in the past week, Freestyle Love Supreme canceled three performances and Ain’t Too Proud canceled one. Last weekend, the Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors canceled all four of its performances. As of writing this, Hamilton has canceled its December 16 and 17 performances as well.

The cancellations are a tough blow for a still-recovering industry. Kevin McCollum, producer of Mrs. Doubtfire, told the New York Times that the show’s cancellations this week meant they lost an entire week of profits.

Why is it Happening?

However disappointing the breakthrough cases are, they are unsurprising. Cases within the industry were expected as even though masks and vaccines are mandated for the theatres, people still live their lives outside of the theatre, both workers and audience members alike.

The industry has not shut down completely again and if all goes well, it will not. Although in the past week more shows than before have been canceling performances, it’s only a small percentage, and this has been happening since Broadway reopened. According to the New York Times, most of the cases have been asymptomatic or only mildly symptomatic, but those who tested positive still have to stay away until they are cleared.

“There’s no question that this current rash of breakthrough cases is concerning, but the industry has not shut down,” Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin told the New York Times. “I’m knocking on wood so much I have bruised knuckles, but so far we’re still open, and a two- or three-day shutdown, now and then, I think is to be expected.”

Still, it is worrying for the industry that is trying to get back to pre-Covid success as the Omicron variant threat rises in the U.S., especially during the holiday season which is normally a massive success for Broadway.

What Can We Do?

Over the past almost two years, the theatre industry has made it very clear that it cannot be taken down so simply. And while it is disappointing and disheartening to see shows being cancelled, it is only temporary and to be expected as the world still tries to fight off the pandemic, especially during the colder winter months as people spend more time indoors in close contact with each other.

The best way to help is the same thing everyone’s been doing for close to two years now. Stay safe, get vaccinated and get your booster shot. Wear your mask. Stay home if you are feeling unwell. The Met Opera announced that beginning in January, audience members will be mandated to get their booster shots. This could potentially set an example for Broadway to follow.

This is what the CDC recommends as variants spread.