Here we are, one full year without Broadway due to COVID-19. But we have not been without creativity, collaboration, and community from theatre working professionals and fans around the world. As heartbreaking as it was to watch show after show close, some for good and some temporarily, the theatre community has stuck together.
Various Broadway staples created opportunities to share established as well as new talent with the world such as Laura Benanti's "Sunshine Songs" or Seth Rudetsky's "Stars in the House". The Actors' Fund brought us parody entertaiment and cast reunions from some of the most popular shows. Creatives were quick to jump to social media to show support for other artists to take the plunge and share their own art for the time publically. Our community helped show the world the power of supporting each other with kindness and positivity even as it seemed our worlds were crashing down around us.
With the West Ends's announcement for re-opening in April 2021, it gives hope to a return to pre-pandemic life. COVID safety protocols will be in place to ensure social disancing and requiring masks. After this year of not being able to watch a performance live and not on a screen, I would personally be happy to climb into a plastic bubble if it was required to see a live show.
One thing we have all learned this year is to take more control over our art. There was a huge explosion of self creation, whether shared publically or not. The whole world turned to art for comfort when we were told to shelter in place and completely uproot our routines. It's re-emergence calls for a celebration (safely). In the uncharted territory or a global pandemic, we cared for one another and will continue to do so after this.
The house lights are flickering to tell us, theatre is coming back SOON!