Broadway Shows Canceled Through Labor Day Due To Coronavirus

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — Broadway will continue its shutdown until at least Labor Day, an organization composed of theater owners and other influential industry figures announced Tuesday.

Broadway productions will refund customers holding tickets through Sept. 6, the Broadway League said in a statement. Customers can expect to receive an email with information on how to claim a refund, according to the statement.

"While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theatre — behind the curtain and in front of it — before shows can return," Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League, said in a statement. "The Broadway League’s membership is working in cooperation with the theatrical unions, government officials, and health experts to determine the safest ways to restart our industry."

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There were 31 running productions, with eight shows in previews and eight more expected to begin previews in the spring, when Broadway was shut down March 12. Broadway was one of New York's first industries shut down by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo in an order banning gatherings of more than 500 people.

Social distancing measures in New York have helped reduce infection rates in the state, which means that certain low-risk businesses may be allowed to reopen soon in parts of the state. Businesses such as construction, manufacturing, wholesalers, retail stores, agriculture, forestry and fishing have been identified as the "first phase" to reopen when safe. Broadway would fall into the state's "fourth phase," which may be very far off considering these industries rely on large physical gatherings.

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