The recent severe weather conditions across the United States have sparked a heated debate within the Broadway community. With snow blanketing the tri-state area, Broadway performers and industry workers are pushing back against the expectation that "the show must go on," raising concerns about their safety and well-being.
The Broadway League's announcement that most shows would proceed as planned on Sunday caused alarm among many performers. While the exact number of Broadway workers living outside New York City is unknown, it's clear that a significant portion of the talent and crew now commute from surrounding areas. The suspension of New Jersey Transit services and the state of emergency declared by Governor Kathy Hochul have left many worried about their ability to travel safely.
Telly Leung, currently starring in Masquerade, an immersive Phantom of the Opera experience, took to social media to urge the NYC Mayor and the Broadway League to prioritize the safety of theater workers during this weather emergency. Olivia Hardy, who has appeared in Heathers and Kimberly Akimbo, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the human aspect of performers and the insanity of sending them to work in such dangerous conditions.
Jenna Bainbridge, who plays Nessarose in Wicked, posted a strong message on Instagram, calling on the NYC Mayor and Governor Kathy Hochul to do better in keeping theater workers safe. She publicly responded to Wicked's Instagram post, which stated that all performances would go on as planned, by encouraging the Broadway League and Actors Equity to cancel the shows and prioritize the safety of their workers.
Danny Quadrino, who plays Boq in Wicked, added that the health and safety of theater workers should be the top priority. Keri Reneé Fuller, who plays Elphaba, shared a broader message of concern, urging friends to take care of themselves despite the challenges posed by industries that don't always prioritize employee well-being.
Allie Trimm, who plays Glinda in Wicked, revealed that she had to call out of the matinee due to a cervical spine injury triggered by the massive temperature drop. She expressed genuine worry for those traveling into the city for shows and even more concern about getting home safely afterward. Trimm criticized the Broadway League's decision to keep the shows open, prioritizing monetary gain over the safety of its workers and patrons.
Alex Newell, currently appearing in Chicago, questioned the value placed on human safety compared to making a dollar. Alex Prakken, a swing in The Great Gatsby, shared that he was performing a "crazy" split track due to multiple call-outs, highlighting the pressure on performers to cover multiple roles during a performance. Mariah Reives, the dance captain for The Great Gatsby, added that the Broadway League's desire to make money overrides concerns for the well-being and safety of its workers.
Sam Pauly, also appearing in The Great Gatsby, reiterated that Broadway is primarily a business, with money being the primary concern. He expressed frustration with Actors Equity's lack of response to concerns about member safety and his own inability to get to and from work safely.
While some Broadway productions proceeded as scheduled, several shows canceled performances on Sunday, including Ragtime, MJ, and both Disney productions, Aladdin and The Lion King. The industry's response to the state of emergency has prompted questions and sparked discussions about the long-standing belief that "the show must go on." As this article concludes, audiences who braved dangerous conditions to attend a performance at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre were notified close to curtain time that the show would not go on as scheduled.
This controversy raises important questions about the balance between artistic expression and the well-being of those who bring these shows to life. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think the industry should prioritize safety over financial gains, especially during severe weather conditions? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a thoughtful discussion in the comments below!
