As COVID-19 numbers rise nationwide, thanks partly to the prolific Omicron variant, the entertainment industry is once again closing up shop. While multiple major productions and events have been canceled or rescheduled on both coasts, Broadway’s COVID-19 struggles seem to be settling in for the holidays.
As recently as December 17th, Washington, D.C., and New York City reported their highest single-day COVID numbers since the pandemic began, shattering records that are not expected to last long.
In Los Angeles, the highly-anticipated “A Christmas Carol” at the Ahmanson Theater was suddenly canceled, following the announcement that breakthrough Covid had been detected amongst the cast.
Broadway: COVID-19 Is Making The Rounds
The long list of New York cancelations follows the LA trend. On Broadway, COVID-19-related closures include Mrs. Doubtfire, Hamilton, Ain’t Too Proud, Tina–based on the life and music of Tina Turner, and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
The Radio City Rockettes are another Broadway COVID-19 causality. The iconic kickers, canceled the remainder of their holiday season, citing an increase of pandemic-related challenges. In a statement released late last week expressed their disappointment at not being able to continue with the “cherished tradition” that so many New Yorker’s–and visitors from around the world–associate with ushering in the holiday season.
And Friday night also found Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway was dark due to positive COVID-19 cases within the production cast and crew.
U.K. productions haven’t been spared the same fate as their American counterparts. The list of canceled productions in the West End has prompted speculation many of these shows have closed for good.
COVID-19 causes U.K. cancelations
The list of West End shows canceled because of COVID-19 is growing daily. Current cancelations include
- Best of Enemies, Young Vic
- The Book of Mormon, Prince of Wales Theatre
- Alladin, Lyric Hammersmith
- Book of Dust, Bridge Theatre
- Bring It On, Queen Elizabeth Hall
- La Clique, Leicester Square Spiegeltent
- Curious Incident…, Trubador Wembly Park
- Hex, Olivier Theatre
- Measure for Measure, Shakespeare’s Globe
- Wicket, Apollo Victoria Theatre
- Rare Earth Mettle, Royal Court
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