In an attempt to “flatten the curve” of the current Covid-19 virus, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has called for the closure of all theatres, restaurants, gyms, and any other places where large crowds of people may gather.
While much of Broadway waits patiently for the doors of Broadway to open once again, not all of the productions are able to survive the darkness.
The revival of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” gave it’s final performance on March 17 before it, like all of Broadway, was closed down. Still in previews, the show was scheduled to open April 9. Due to some scheduling conflicts, the production will not be opening as planned.
The play “Hangmen” has also announced that after opening previews on February 29 with a scheduled opening on March 19 will not be continuing when the lights of Broadway return.
Producers Robert Fox, Jean Doumanian, Elizabeth I. McCann, and Craig Balsam issued a statement saying, “given our show’s budget and capitalization, we do not have the economic resources to be able to continue to pay the theater owners, cast, and crew through this still undefined closure period. Therefore, in the interests of all involved, we regretfully have no choice but to close the show. We are all extremely disappointed that we cannot give Martin McDonagh and our fabulous director, cast and team the celebrated opening they all deserve.”
Approaching peak season and a cut-off date for the annual Tony Awards; other productions may face the same dilemmas as “Hangmen” and “Virginia Woolf”.
Anyone who has purchased tickets for either show may get a refund from the point of purchase or may have their ticket prices automatically refunded.
Currently, Broadway is scheduled to reopen its doors the day after Easter on April 13.