It’s a new season in theatre, but Broadway is having a hard time getting back on its feet. Performance venues there (and at the local level) are all struggling to find shows, restart their schedules and attract audiences. When a production such as Phantom of the Opera closes on Broadway, you know times are tough. The wondrous show has been at the Majestic Theatre since January 1988 and will close for good just after celebrating 35 years onstage.
The big problem–as with everything while we’re finding our way back to a new normal–is whether rows of patrons packed together in an enclosed space is safe, and can audiences return to the idea of going out for enjoyment. In a century, nobody imagined we would have had the situation we did, and when Broadway went dark, an entire industry shut down. With it went the escape of entertainment we grew to depend upon. Now that we are also dealing with the stress of socializing again, we face a new threat, as evildoing individuals bring extreme weaponry to public places to send a message to total strangers.
Perhaps it takes bravery to get back to normal.
We need to step out into the changes we have yet to adapt to. We need to sit within a few inches of other human beings and look ahead to that stage or screen where we all intend to share a singular experience.
The cast and crew of Phantom will move on to other things, and another production will find its way to its new home, where it may flourish for 35 years. Whatever happens, we will certainly find a way to restore something of what we had before. Part of that is going back to the theatre.
A new season, and a new reason. Hope to see you sitting next to me.
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