Broadway Shows Proceed Amid Severe Weather Warnings, Sparking Safety Debate
The Broadway League announced that most Broadway shows in New York City were scheduled to perform on a Sunday despite severe weather, including snow, impacting the tri-state area. This decision was made even as New Jersey Transit announced service suspensions and Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency.
Many Broadway performers and crew members, some of whom commute from surrounding areas, voiced significant concerns regarding their safety and ability to travel home.
"Telly Leung, appearing in Masquerade, urged the NYC Mayor and The Broadway League to prioritize worker and patron safety."
Olivia Hardy, previously in Heathers and Kimberly Akimbo, described the situation as dangerous for performers expected to work and travel home late.
"Wicked" Cast Members Speak Out
Members of the cast of Wicked were particularly vocal. Jenna Bainbridge, playing Nessarose, publicly stated she would not perform and encouraged The Broadway League and Actors Equity to cancel shows. Danny Quadrino, Boq in Wicked, emphasized the importance of worker health and safety.
Keri Reneé Fuller, Elphaba in Wicked, warned colleagues to be cautious, noting that industries do not always facilitate safety.
"Allie Trimm, Glinda in Wicked, announced she would miss a performance due to a pre-existing injury exacerbated by the cold and characterized The Broadway League's decision as prioritizing monetary gain over safety."
Production Staffing and Financial Priorities Questioned
Concerns extended to production staffing, with Alex Prakken, a swing in The Great Gatsby, performing a 'split track' due to multiple call-outs. Alex Newell of Chicago questioned whether financial considerations were being prioritized over people's safety.
Mariah Reives, dance captain for The Great Gatsby, stated that The Broadway League appeared to prioritize money over the well-being of its workers.
"Sam Pauly, also in The Great Gatsby, asserted that Broadway is primarily a business focused on profit and stated she would not perform due to unsafe travel conditions and a lack of support from Actors Equity."
Mixed Response: Some Shows Cancel
While many shows proceeded, several productions did cancel performances, including Ragtime, MJ, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Audiences for The Book of Mormon at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre reported being notified of a cancellation close to curtain time, despite an earlier statement that performances would go on as scheduled.
The industry's response prompted discussions about the long-standing belief that 'the show must go on' and its implications for worker safety during emergencies.