The Show Will Go On!

The Covid-19 pandemic literally made things a lot quieter on Broadway in New York City. On March 12, 2020, musical shows on Broadway were canceled until further notice. Without the draw of the crowds, the full auditoriums, or the stages of talented performers, Broadway has been a ghost town. Old World Christmas, being a company of creativity and artistry, supports the arts, and the shows and has a couple of New York City themed  ornaments like the Comedy & Tragedy ornament that highlights our love for the theater. We are thrilled that once again the stages will be filled with music and talent, and excited audience members will be inspired, moved and entertained with songs, dance and emotion. 

We are raising our glass to Broadway today in anticipation of the grand re-opening beginning on September 14th. 41 theaters have been shuttered from Midtown to Lincoln center, and this fall will open to excited crowds once again. Four major shows open on September 14th: “Chicago,” “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” and “The Lion King,” quickly followed by “Six,” “Come From Away,” “Moulin Rouge,” “Aladdin,” “Tina,” “Caroline, or Change,” “Ain’t Too Proud,” “Jagged Little Pill,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” in October. Many more will open in the months to follow, so flip on the lights, draw back the curtains because the show must go on!

Broadway got its start in 1750 when one of the very first theaters opened in New York City. It held 280 audience members, and the actors performed Shakespeare and operas. After the Revolutionary War, Park Theater was built and could hold an impressive 2,000 guests. Because of its success more theaters opened in New York, and by the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the theater district became its own area. Currently, Broadway or the theater district is in midtown in New York City, though only four theaters are actually located on Broadway street, they are all close to each other. Each of the 41 theaters have at least 500 seats. During the great depression the attendance was a lot less and the shows didn’t run as long. Thankfully, it bounced back, and saw a revival and renewal of many new shows in the 60’s and 70’s. Today Broadway is a major tourist attraction in the city. 

The longest running show on Broadway is The Phantom of the Opera, which officially opened on January 26th, 1988, and still plays at the Majestic theater (or will again in October!). The highest grossing Broadway show is The Lion King. Hamilton took Broadway by storm, and has been one of the most popular shows since its opening on August 6th, 2016. Most shows run from Tuesday through Saturday with a matinee on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. 

We hope that with the US getting back to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic, you are able to make it to a Broadway production this fall, and if not then in 2022. There’s nothing like being engrossed in the story and music of a professional musical. Commemorate your visit with a Christmas ornament!