Broadway shows will not return this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the industry trade association.
All 41 locations in New York’s world-famous theater center have been closed since March when the city went into shutdown to stop the spread of Covid-19.
They won’t reopen in 2020, The Broadway League announced, in a devastating blow to the industry.
Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Broadway League, said: “The alchemy of 1,000 strangers who come together in a single audience feeding each artist on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theaters can house homes. Complete safely.
“Every member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience.
“The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we hope to return to our stages only when it is safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more necessary than ever. ”
Tickets purchased for all performances through January 3 of next year will be refunded or exchanged, the league said.
Broadway performances were suspended on March 12, at a time when 31 productions were running, including eight new shows in progress.
Broadway is one of New York’s top tourist attractions and, according to The Broadway League, contributed $ 14.7 billion to the city’s economy during the 2018-2019 season and supported 96,900 jobs.
The situation in the UK theater industry is equally bleak. Lady Helen Mirren warned on Monday that the sector needs urgent help and that the “identity of our nation” is at stake.
Theaters have warned that, with live performances currently banned and after a long period of closure, they are only weeks away from collapse.
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