Broadway Stars Challenge ‘Show Must Go On’ Amid Extreme Weather Conditions
Broadway performers faced significant challenges as extreme weather impacted the tri-state area over the weekend. Heavy snowfall and severe winter conditions led many to question the safety of traveling to shows. Despite these concerns, the Broadway League announced that most performances were still scheduled to proceed.
Broadway Stars Address Safety Concerns
On Sunday morning, as performers prepared for their roles, the Broadway League issued a statement affirming that shows would continue as planned. However, many theater workers expressed alarm over their safety amid travel disruptions caused by the weather.
- New Jersey Transit suspended service beginning at 2 p.m., affecting many performers commuting from surrounding areas.
- Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency due to the extreme weather conditions.
Industry Reactions
Performers took to social media to voice their concerns. Telly Leung, starring in the immersive production of Phantom of the Opera, urged city officials to prioritize safety.
Olivia Hardy, known for her roles in Heathers and Kimberly Akimbo, criticized the decision to keep performances running, emphasizing the dangers posed by the conditions. Similarly, Jenna Bainbridge, who plays Nessarose in Wicked, called for show cancellations to protect theater workers.
Calls for Action
Many performers called on the Broadway League and Actors Equity to reconsider their stance. Actress Allie Trimm shared her personal health struggles, stemming from the harsh winter conditions, and raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for theater workers.
Alex Newell, a performer in Chicago, highlighted the absurdity of expecting individuals to travel in dangerous conditions just to avoid financial losses. Additionally, Mariah Reives, dance captain for The Great Gatsby, criticized the League for prioritizing profits over the safety of performers.
Performance Cancellations and Community Response
Despite the call for safety, some performances were canceled, including notable shows like Ragtime, MJ, and Disney favorites like Aladdin and The Lion King. Meanwhile, audiences braved the treacherous weather to attend shows such as The Book of Mormon, only to find out that performances were canceled close to curtain time.
Ongoing Industry Debate
The events of that weekend have sparked discussions within the industry about the age-old adage: “the show must go on.” Many are questioning if such a mindset should continue in the face of extreme weather and unsafe travel conditions.
As Broadway grapples with this dilemma, it raises crucial questions about the responsibilities of theater organizations to protect their workers while maintaining the vibrancy of performing arts amidst adverse conditions.
