By: Hannah Gode
Sep 21, 2021
Broadway shows finally return on stage.
September 2 was a breath of fresh air for theatregoers and show enjoyers alike: when the lights on the marquees of Broadway musicals Hadestown and Waitress lit up for the first time since March 2020, and performers were finally able to resume their craft.
“I think a lot of people are looking forward to being able to see Broadway shows again, regardless of a neverending pandemic,” junior Zoey Rigole said.
The Broadway League has implemented many safety precautions prior to Broadway’s reopening. All cast, crew, and theater staff are fully vaccinated, and in addition to wearing masks, patrons must have proof of full vaccination to attend.
“I think the requirements that have been put in place are the perfect amount,” Rigole said. “It allows for people to see shows in the safest way possible. Not to mention, it promotes wearing a mask and being vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID.”
Hadestown and Waitress were among the first to welcome back patrons, and on September 14, Broadway giants Wicked, Hamilton, Chicago, and The Lion King opened their doors to eager crowds. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, spoke to the crowd before the curtain rose.
“I don’t ever want to take live theatre for granted again,” he said.
Additionally, the North American tour of Wicked recently ended its engagement at Dallas Fair Park, making it the Broadway tour to resume performances since the pandemic. Junior Baylee Oster saw the musical on Sep. 5, its closing night.
“I loved it!” Oster said. “It was such a beautiful show and I wanna see it again already.”
Oster’s enthusiasm isn’t singular—many people are excited that live theatre can be experienced again, even if the pandemic is still raging on in the background.
“Broadway reopening is not at the most conventional time, considering [COVID-19] cases are skyrocketing at the moment with back to school, but I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s too soon,” Rigole said