A year and a half after Broadway was forced to shut down all 41 of its historic theaters, many shows are returning to the stage. The COVID-19 pandemic forced Broadway, a symbol of New York City’s vibrant performing arts, to close its doors for the longest time in history. Performers suffered without employment, but the arrival of vaccines last spring created a sense of optimism among Broadway performers. 

During the spring, it seemed as though the pandemic was coming to an end, but now shows are reopening during a time of uncertainty. The Delta variant surge has caused infection rates to skyrocket, and tourism remains low. Historically, tourists have made up most audiences of Broadway shows, and now they are not sure what to expect. Of course, Broadway enthusiasts cannot wait to return to theaters for their favorite shows, but without tourists, Broadway will suffer.

Audiences are excited for the return of shows like “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” “Chicago,” and “Hamilton.” Of course, if you want to experience these shows, you will have to bring proof of vaccination and a mask. Although Broadway’s COVID-19 protocols have received plenty of criticism, they need to keep the actors and audiences as safe as possible. All actors are tested constantly to ensure the safety of the company and the audience. With Broadway’s return, it seems New York City’s recovery might be possible.