PHOTOS: Crowds Return To Broadway

MIDTOWN, NY – Eighteen months after Broadway went dark, the lights are finally back on. The pandemic and its restrictions meant the show couldn't go, leaving Times Square bereft of its heart.

But this month, several shows returned at full capacity with a mask mandate in place to keep their patrons safe. The shows were met with full crowds and standing ovations as favorites like Wicked, Hamilton and The Lion King re-opened.

Check out the photos below to see audiences pack theaters again.

Theater fans buy discounted Broadway show tickets at TKTS, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, in New York's Times Square.

Theatergoers show proof of vaccination before a performance of "The Lion King," on Broadway, at the Minskoff Theatre.

"Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda gives a curtain speech at the Richard Rodgers Theatre as the show opened Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021.

People embrace at the Gershwin Theatre before the opening of "Wicked."

Actress Kristin Chenoweth gives the curtain speech on the stage of "Wicked".

The audience applauds as "Hamilton" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda gives a speech at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Theater fans buy Broadway show tickets at TKTS.

Julie Taymor welcomes theatergoers back to Broadway before a performance of "The Lion King," at the Minskoff Theatre.

People applaud during a speech by actress Kristin Chenoweth as "Wicked" opens at the Gershwin Theatre.

A member of the audience is dressed as the character King George as he arrives to see "Hamilton."

Performances of "The Lion King" on Broadway resume at the Minskoff Theatre.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.