The Broadway League has announced that all Broadway productions in New York City will “go dark,” with shows suspended until April 12.
Representing 31 plays and musicals currently open in Broadway theatres, The Broadway League said in a statement: “Under the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo, Broadway shows in New York City will suspend all performances immediately in support of the health and well-being of the theatre-going public, as well as those who work in the theatre industry."
The statement added: "Performances will commence the week of April 13, 2020.”
The news came after a Broadway usher tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week.
As reported by The New York Times, the usher had been working at the Booth Theatre, home to a revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf starring Laurie Metcalf, having previously assisted in crowd management at the Brooks Atkinson Theater.
“Last evening, we were notified that a part-time employee of both organizations has tested positively for COVID-19 (Cornonavirus),” the Shubert Organisation, which operates the Booth, and the Nederlander Organisation, which operates the Brooks Atkinson, said in a joint statement on March 11 - adding that they were "continuing to monitor and address the situation in real time".
“Immediately upon learning of the positive test, both organisations began taking every step necessary to ensure the safety of our audiences, performers, crew, and building staff," the statement continued.
“The individual, who is currently under quarantine, most recently worked at the Shubert’s Booth Theater on Tuesday, March 3rd through Friday, March 6th as an usher. As a result, a deep cleaning, following all current government standards, has been completed at the Booth Theater.
“The employee also recently worked at the Nederlander’s Brooks Atkinson Theater on the evening of February 25th and the matinee of March 1st, expediting lines outside the building. Out of an abundance of caution, a deep cleaning is currently scheduled to take place overnight at the Brooks Atkinson Theater.”
