Broadway returned June 26 with “Springsteen on Broadway” after a sixteen month break, the first break in history, according to Playbill. Showgoers are eager to get into theaters as more shows reopen, including “Chicago,” “Hadestown,” “Hamilton,” “Waitress,” “Wicked,” “Pass Over” and “The Lion King.” 13 shows are set to reopen in September and October, and seven others  have confirmed reopening dates through April 2022, leaving only 14 empty theaters. 

This past week, I went to “Hadestown” at the Walter Kerr Theater and was able to experience a show under the current COVID-19 restrictions. The confirmation email said to arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior to the show time due to new procedures. As I walked to the event, I was met with a massive line that curved into the neighboring parking garage. I wondered how the show could possibly start on time, but once in the line, I remembered I was at Broadway, the home of professionalism. 

The line was truly three lines. In each one, guests were already wearing masks. For those who had forgotten, the theater provided them. The first security stop then approached. Each audience member was asked to provide proof of vaccination. According to NYC.gov, acceptable forms of vaccination proof include the NYC Covid Safe App, Excelsior Pass, a physical CDC vaccination card or photo of one, or an NYC vaccination record.  Children under 12 who can not be vaccinated had to show a negative test. The next stop was state-issued identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. This is only applicable to those over the age of 18. After these stops, it became a typical line. After having your bag checked and walking through a metal detector, you presented your ticket and were welcomed into the theatre. 

Inside, you are ushered to your seat as normal. The theater was packed like pre-COVID-19 times, devoid of social distancing. Concessions and merchandise were also sold. Someone stood at the front of the sections with a reminder to mask up, but this could be broken to eat or drink. 

The show carried on marvelously. Participating thespians were allowed to abstain from policies such as mask wearing. My seat neighbor commented that at the opening of “Chicago,” there were six standing ovations in the first 30 minutes. It’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm of this community. As the show ended, we stood and clapped for quite some time. 

You may think it used to be difficult to get Broadway seats, but it does not compare to the current chaos. That being said, seats are still waiting and ready to be purchased. You can find tickets at broadway.com for purchase. 

From Playbill, here are the opening dates through October: Sept. 21: Come From Away, Sept. 24: Moulin Rouge!, Sept. 28: Aladdin, Sept. 28: Lackawanna Blues, Oct. 3: Six, Oct. 5: To Kill a Mockingbird, Oct. 8: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Oct. 13: Girl from North Country, Oct. 14: The Lehman Trilogy, Oct. 16: Ain’t Too Proud–The Life and Times of the Temptations, Oct. 17: David Bryne’s American Utopia, Oct. 21: Jagged Little Pill and Oct. 22: The Phantom of the Opera.