Broadway is back, theaters to reopen on Sept. 14

Broadway is coming back. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announcing Wednesday, May 5, 2021, that Broadway shows could start selling tickets tomorrow for full-capacity shows in New York City with performances starting Sept. 14.

In a Tweet announcing the news, Cuomo said, "Broadway is [a] major part of our state's identity and economy, and we are thrilled curtains will rise again."

The New York Times reports that despite the city reopening now, Broadway shows need the four-month delay so the many moving parts of the performances can be put back together. Broadway has been dark for more than a year. Actors and musicians need time to be reassembled and trained. Producers need time to advertise and market major shows. COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures will also need to be figured out.

Related: A beginner's guide to New York City

The 41 major theaters in the city shut down back on March 12, 2020, for what was supposed to be a four-week suspension. At the time, 31 productions were running including eight shows in previews and another eight were in rehearsals. Sadly, some of those shows won't be coming back. Gone for good are "Mean Girls," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?," "Hangmen," and Disney's "Frozen."

Related: New York to fully reopen in July

Still many shows will be coming back including hits like "Hamilton." The New York Times is reporting "Hamilton," "The Lion King," and "Wicked" will all jointly announce their reopening dates sometime next week.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said last week, "This is going to be the summer of New York City. You're going to see amazing activities, cultural activities coming back. I think people are going to flock to New York City because they want to live again."

In a statement, the Broadway League president Charlotte St. Martin said, "Nothing beats Broadway," and continued:

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

Email address

Sign up

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

"We are thrilled that Governor Cuomo clearly recognizes the impact of Broadway's return on the city and state's economy and the complexity of restarting an entire industry that has been dormant for over a year.. The theatre owners, producers, and other League members will continue to work with the NY State Department of Health and the Governor to coordinate the industry's return and the related health and safety protocols required to do so. We remain cautiously optimistic about Broadway's ability to resume performances this fall and are happy that fans can start buying tickets again."

If you want to book a show this week, you can go to Broadway.org to find tickets as soon as May 6, 2021.