The musical, which was meant to debut on Broadway the day New York’s theaters were shuttered, will start an 11-week run at the Lyric Theater on Nov. 14, the show’s producers said in a news release on Monday. But a resurgence of coronavirus cases in Britain puts some of the show’s plans in doubt.
3 comments:
Why is it that we can't see an end in sight for all this malarky while the UK and other European countries can. This virus is still there. I think that its great that some theaters think that its time to re-open- good for them. The fact of the matter is, we are one of the last industries that are going to make a comeback. We as a collective should work towards making better standards to follow and really make this business the best it can be before returning. I know that the easy thing to do is go back to the norm and put on theater as if this virus didn't upend everyones lives- but that is the reality we're in. I think the West End should hold off until it is completely safe for EVERYONE to go and watch a show, not just to survive. It's a hard hill to hike but I think that waiting it out is better for the industry, its better for the art form, and its better for the people working on the shows.
It brings up a lot of conflicting feelings to see industries reopen. On one hand, I am elated at the idea that theater is returning and that people can return to work. On the other hand, the pandemic is still at play and very serious both here and in the UK where The West End theatre district is preparing to reopen. For the sake of the audience and the workforce, this is good news, but I doubt the performers will wear masks. I would hope that the run crew is allowed to and they do wear masks, but there are no guarantees. As the article discusses, there is the possibility of cancellation. I do hope that if anything it is solely postponed. One thing that theatre everywhere could be a buy now, enjoy later kind of deal. I know some hotels have done promotions that if you buy now, you can get a discount and then your stay will be valid for its reopening. If the theatre industry adopted something like this, more people would be able to afford theatre, and it could provide a brief economic relief to the industry. Even with only six performers on stage during “Six” it is nerve wracking to have them so close nowadays. I get tripped up watching pre recorded television and seeing people in crowds. It is an interesting coincidence that the show consists of six performers and the current British guidelines call for no more than six people in a social gathering. If certain safety measures are taken, it could be possible for them to reopen. At the same time, the production staff mentioned that they would not require their company to isolate outside of the performances. I understand that the pandemic puts everyone in-between a rock and a hard place, but sometimes precautions have to be taken, no matter the cost. I hope those measures are taken and that everything works out for the best.
-Ariel Bernhard
I am shocked and pretty frustrated that the West End is trying to come back so soon. Seeing that according to this article, there can’t be gatherings over 6 people in England, I don’t know how this will happen. I think until there is a vaccine commercial theatre or any theatre shouldn’t be happening – especially with cases on the rise in the UK. Theatre has a civic duty not to cause more COVID cases and as someone said in a PMW comment this week, theatre isn’t essential. If we are having to do telemedicine and teletherapy and the sports industry can’t have fans, why is theatre the exception? I think it sends a message that theatres care more about opening than being safe. I understand that the entertainment industry contributes a lot to the economy and a lot of people are now struggling to pay the bills but this means we need a better digital system than just risking people’s lives. Testing the cast members is great but what about the audience members, seeing the plan for “Six” is only to keep them seated 3 feet apart, I am very concerned seeing several experts say that 6 feet apart isn’t even enough. Also, masks help mitigate risk and I am sick of theatres and other places think they are the end all be all to COVID. They reduce the numbers and spread but still you can get Covid-19 and until there is a vaccine, sitting for 90 minutes or more in a theatre is just a health risk that shouldn’t be allowed. Honestly, I think it is a relief to see the British government stepping in.
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