Following the announcement from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio that he hopes to “fully open the city by July 1,” the Broadway League said yesterday it hopes that theatres may resume performances on Broadway — but not before September. 

While Mayor De Blasio doesn’t have authority to re-open the theatres himself (this lies with the State of New York, and Governor Andrew Cuomo), experts agree the September timing is not without reason.  COVID case rates have been dropping in the five buroughs, and vaccines are now available to city dwellers of all ages.

Currently, Broadway houses are officially closed until at least May 30, 2021.  A likely scenario would involve Broadway blockbusters (i.e., those with deep pockets), like Hamilton, Wicked, and The Lion King, to re-open first. Telecharge also quietly put tickets for September on sale for Chicago, Jagged Little Pill, and Ain’t Too Proud, though no official opening announcement has been made.

NY1 also reports the cast of Moulin Rouge was notified this week that they could possibly be looking at a September re-opening.

Still to be determined:  what will a Broadway opening look like for the public:  Mask-wearing? COVID testing?  Proof of vaccinations?  All have been discussed but for now, no determination has been made.  Opening theatres at reduced capacity is challenging for producers given the high cost of mounting a show.  (Don’t forget: a Broadway house at 50% capacity used to be considered a flop, and was likely to close!)

My Theatre Weekend will keep you updated as more information becomes available.