When snow blanketed the tri-state area amid severe weather, the Broadway community was left grappling with a challenging decision. Should the curtain rise or fall in light of the hazardous conditions? According to the Broadway League, the show would go on. But many performers disagreed, pushing back against the 'show must go on' expectations.
The Broadway League's Announcement
On a snow-laden Sunday, performers across New York and surrounding regions woke to an update from the Broadway League. Despite the severe weather conditions impacting the United States, they stated that "most Broadway shows in New York City are currently scheduled to perform Sunday as planned."
Many performers and crew members expressed alarm at this announcement. With New Jersey Transit suspending services from 2 p.m. and Governor Kathy Hochul declaring a state of emergency, concerns about safe travel home were rife. BroadwayWorld reported multiple industry workers worried about their ability to commute home safely amidst the snowstorm.
Performers Voice Their Concerns
Various Broadway performers voiced their concerns publicly, appealing to the Broadway League and NYC Mayor to prioritize safety. Telly Leung, currently starring in the immersive Phantom of the Opera experience Masquerade, urged the Broadway League to consider the safety of its workers and patrons. "Theater workers are human beings who deserve to be safe in this weather emergency as well," Leung wrote.
Olivia Hardy, with Broadway credits that include Kimberly Akimbo and Heathers, echoed Leung's sentiments. She described the situation as dangerous, stating that the Broadway League was not looking out for the performers.
Other actors, like Jenna Bainbridge of Wicked and Danny Quadrino, also from Wicked, called for better protection for theatre workers. Keri Rene Fuller, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, shared a broader message of concern, urging her followers to be careful and expressing disappointment towards industries that prioritize profit over safety.
The Show Goes On, But Not For All
Despite the pushback, many Broadway productions proceeded as scheduled. However, some shows, including Ragtime, MJ, and both Disney productions, Aladdin and The Lion King, canceled their Sunday performances. This dichotomy sparked conversations about the industry's response to emergencies and the long-standing belief that "the show must go on."
While Broadway grapples with these questions, it's worth noting that the entertainment industry is not a monolith. Across the pond, for instance, the British musical "Cable Street" is scheduled to make its international debut this spring, highlighting how different regions respond to their unique conditions.
Time for a Change?
As the snowstorm controversy highlights, the conversation around performers' safety and the expectation that "the show must go on" is far from over. The tension between business interests and human well-being is not unique to the Broadway industry, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for balance. The Broadway League, Actors Equity, and other industry bodies must consider the welfare of their workers, the lifeblood of the industry, alongside financial considerations.
In conclusion, the Broadway community's response to the recent severe weather has sparked important discussions about performer safety and industry expectations. These conversations may lead to significant changes in how Broadway, and the wider entertainment industry, responds to future emergencies. Only time will tell if these events will usher in a new era, where the mantra 'the show must go on' is no longer absolute.
