“The Phantom of COVID has hit Broadway maybe the hardest of all the live event venues in America,” Schumer said, trotting out the first of many references to hit Broadway shows.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Senator Schumer Pushes for Federal Aid for Struggling Broadway
“The Phantom of COVID has hit Broadway maybe the hardest of all the live event venues in America,” Schumer said, trotting out the first of many references to hit Broadway shows.
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In Musical Theater History last year, one of the main things we learned about Broadway is that the theater district in New York City is essential to its tourism revenue. That area was fixed up to attract more tourists, and thus changing the economic landscape of the city. Without theater in full commission, not only are the professionals as part of the shows suffering, but so is the tourism industry as a whole. It is nice to hear from politicians that they have heard the struggles of Broadway theater professionals. Everyone wants to get shows back open for a number of reasons, but the reason shouldn’t be that they suddenly don’t have money to pay their bills. They should be able to receive aid from a country that they heavily contribute to. I hadn’t heard of the Heroes Act before, and I truly hope that funds can be allotted to help any of those struggling (theater or not). The only other thing I have to say on the Senator’s speech is the amount of play on popular theater names that he included really brought out a deep sigh within me.
If this legislation can get passed, then it is a promising sign for the survival of theater as a whole. Up to now, I've seen little to no relief or thought being given to the struggling theater industry, nor the live entertainment industry at large. When even Broadway is struggling, it is evident that outside help is necessary. Without getting too political, I also want to talk about how ridiculous it is that this aid package, like many before it, is being held up due to concerns over the federal deficit. The economy as a whole is struggling to keep itself afloat, and millions have been pushed out of work due to the rising unemployment issue, yet still, dozens of our lawmakers have dragged their heels in the interests of minimizing the deficit. It's time to face reality: this country will not recover nearly as quickly nor as completely if the government continues to be unable to come to an agreement on aid.
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