Broadway lights the way for NY recovery

The lights will be coming back on in New York's Broadway theater district as sales for plays have started after the coronavirus pandemic forced a curtain call that lasted more than a year.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on May 5 theaters would be allowed to have 100 percent capacity for shows starting on Sept 14.

"Broadway is at the core of our New York identity and a big part of our economy with employees, countless performers and show creators, and beginning this September, the show will go on," he said.

Broadway League President Charlotte St Martin said in a statement nearly 100,000 people make their living on Broadway. "Broadway is the beating heart of New York City tourism and we can't wait for the day soon when our hearts will beat before a live joyful audience," she said.

Each theater will determine entry requirements, including whether to require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Robert Mujica, state budget director, said theaters were allowed to sell every seat so they could see what demand is like.

Among shows reopening on Sept 14 are Hamilton, Chicago, Wicked and The Lion King.

Liz Smith was among the first to get tickets for Hamilton. "Just got mine! A surprise 17th birthday present for my Kiddo. They are very excited," she tweeted.

Hamilton was among the most popular shows before the pandemic closed it, and when ticket sales resumed, there was so much demand some users said the website for ticket sales was temporarily unavailable.

Reena, from Melbourne, Australia, said she got a ticket for Hamilton. She tweeted: "I'm flying from Melbourne to see it in July! We deserve the short wait given our hard work to stay safe."

Many of the returning shows are musicals, which usually are the most popular productions on Broadway.

Tina－The Tina Turner Musical is set to reopen on Oct 8.

Singer Tina Turner said in a statement: "I am thrilled that our musical will be reopening on Broadway. I remember with such warmth and appreciation the extraordinary welcome I received at our opening night. It felt like a homecoming."

The Phantom of the Opera, the longest-running Broadway show, which opened in 1988, will be back on Oct 22. Moulin Rouge! will return on Sept 24. Ain't Too Proud is set to return on Sept 7. Diana the Musical, which tells the story of Britain's Princess Diana, will reopen on Dec 1.

belindarobinson@chinadailyusa.com