Folks stroll previous the tkts sales space on Broadway in the course of the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) pandemic within the Manhattan borough of New York Metropolis, New York, U.S., Might 13, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri
NEW YORK, Aug 4 (Reuters) – The primary Broadway play because the coronavirus pandemic shut down theaters in New York Metropolis in 2020 opened on Wednesday, with vaccinations and masks required for audiences.
“Move Over,” a contemporary twist on “Ready for Godot,” was bought out for its first preview on the August Wilson Theatre in Manhattan.
The play, by Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu, is the story of two younger Black males who stand for hours at a road nook praying {that a} miracle will come their method.
Beneath guidelines introduced by Broadway theaters final week, audiences, actors, stage crew and theater workers have to be absolutely vaccinated and masks have to be worn for reveals, which will probably be allowed to play to 100% capability audiences.
“The vibe is wonderful, it is electrical,” stated director Danya Taymor. “We bought to have a costume rehearsal final evening, so we bought to have like 500 individuals in right here. And simply the palpable pleasure and gratitude of the viewers made me weep.”
Most Broadway reveals, together with massive musicals like “Hamilton,” “The Lion King” and Depraved,” are because of reopen in September after being closed since March 2020 when the pandemic first hit New York.
Rocker Bruce Springsteen’s one-man present “Springsteen on Broadway” kicked off the comeback in June with a restricted run.
Taymor stated the “Move Over” forged and crew have adopted security protocols rigorously.
“We’re all carrying masks. The viewers, similar factor. So even when it comes to the COVID it feels secure and strong,” she stated.
Wednesday’s efficiency of “Move Over” will probably be adopted by a free road get together outdoors the theater.
“I hope the block get together is a celebration for not simply the corporate,” Taymor stated, “however for audiences who’re taking that leap of religion to return sit inside with a thousand individuals and belief that it should be secure – an opportunity to have fun that and to have fun Broadway’s reopening.”
Reporting by Alicia Powell; Modifying by Leslie Adler
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