Broadway Stars Challenge ‘Show Must Go On’ During Severe Weather
Amid severe winter weather impacting large areas of the United States, Broadway performers in New York were prepared for a challenging day. The Broadway League announced that most shows would run as scheduled on a Sunday affected by heavy snowfall, raising concerns among theater workers.
Broadway’s Response to Severe Weather
Many performers faced alarm at the decision to continue performances. The announcement came as New Jersey Transit halted a significant portion of its service beginning at 2 p.m., complicating travel for those commuting from outside New York City. Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, adding urgency to the situation.
Safety Concerns from Performers
- Telly Leung, currently in the immersive “Phantom of the Opera,” urged city officials to prioritize worker safety.
- Olivia Hardy criticized the Broadway League for disregarding performer well-being in dangerous weather.
- Jenna Bainbridge, who plays Nessarose in “Wicked,” echoed the call for show cancellations in light of the emergency.
- Many performers expressed fear for their safety while traveling to and from theaters.
Despite the hazardous conditions, some productions, including “Wicked,” confirmed that performances would proceed as planned. Nevertheless, the concerns raised by industry workers led to a debate about the phrase “the show must go on.”
Industry Reactions and Cancellations
Several productions chose to cancel their performances, such as “Ragtime,” “MJ,” and Disney’s “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.” As the day progressed, audiences were disappointed to find that a late announcement canceled performances at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre, despite prior notifications stating shows would continue.
Community Voices on Safety
Performers like Allie Trimm, currently playing Glinda in “Wicked,” voiced her own injuries and concerns about the safety of theater workers. She highlighted the lack of a clear safety plan for getting performers home after shows.
- Alex Newell from “Chicago” questioned the monetary motivation behind keeping shows open.
- Others recorded their views on social media, criticizing the Broadway League for prioritizing profits over safety.
The situation reflects a growing tension within the theatre community regarding the balance of artistic tradition with the health and safety of its members. As Broadway continues to navigate these challenges, the implications of this weather emergency may spur necessary discussions about industry practices.
