The street that is usually filled with song, dance, and emotion, now empty and abandoned. Like other parts of what is normal daily life, Broadway has been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to COVID-19, the world has changed as we know it. The initial hiatus was declared on March 12, mandated by New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo. As of June 29, The Broadway League announced that Broadway will remain dark through at least January 3, 2021. 

This has not been the first time the heart of the American theater industry has had an abrupt intermission. Some instances include snowstorms, strikes, and the terrorist attacks on September 11, according to an article updated on May 12, at nytimes.com. The shutdown will inevitably cause the loss of income for artists, performers, and others involved in the theater industry. 

“It’s been hard, especially for the off-Broadway and lower,”  Andy Lucien, an actor in The Siblings Play at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, said in a theundefeated.com article. “And the regional (theaters) — it hits us a little differently. Already having a lower pay scale, having runs that were going to end within the time frame — before April 12, having the expectation that there was going to be some funds coming in. This could have advanced their careers. People should have seen the work we’re doing, because it’s spectacular.’”

Due to the loss of financial support, many shows will be forced to close. Some of the most notable are Frozen, which closed on May 14, and Beetlejuice, which was supposed to have its final performance on June 6th. Beetlejuice was going to be followed by The Music Man, which was set to begin its renewal run on Broadway on May 20, 2021

At the time of the lockdown, 31 shows were running and 8 new shows were in previews. Long-running and profitable musicals like Hamilton and The Lion King should be able to survive, but the future for new shows like Six, which was supposed to open as of that week, is unclear. 

The people who were planning on seeing shows before the lockdown will be getting full refunds for their tickets, including service and handling fees, according to broadway.com. Theatergoers who held tickets through January 3, 2021, were emailed by their ticket holders regarding information for refunds and exchange options. 

“Returning productions are currently projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates in early 2021. Tickets for performances for next winter and spring are expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. For regular updates on ticket sales, individual show announcements, performance dates, and more, please check Broadway.org for information as it becomes available,” stated the Broadway League at broadwayleague.com.