COVID Cancellations in New York City including the Rockettes

With the Omicron variant of COVID rampant, several Broadway shows in New York have had to cancel shows or close altogether.

The most recent victim to the rise in COVID cases in New York City is the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.  It was announced on December 18th that the rest of the run of the show would be cancelled and that all ticket holders would be given a full refund of their tickets. Last year, the production was cancelled for the first time in 87 years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The show released a statement saying, “We regret that we are unable to continue the Christmas Spectacular this season due to increasing challenges from the pandemic. We had hoped we could make it through the season and are honored to have hosted hundreds of thousands of fans at more than 100 shows over the last seven weeks. We have loved bringing back this cherished tradition that helps usher in the holiday season in New York City and look forward to welcoming fans back to Radio City Music Hall in 2022.”

As someone who has seen the Radio City Rockettes on several occasions, those who are not able to see it due to this closure, are truly missing out.  The Radio City Rockettes are a magical troupe of dancers who highlight their dancing skills through the precision the Rockettes are known for.

Here’s an example of the Rockettes from the Today Show in 2021 (Youtube user: Sampson M)

Along with the Rockettes, several shows have cancelled shows including Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway and Hamilton. Hamilton is closed indefinitely for now with Moulin Rouge! The Musical on Broadway close for Friday, the 17th with hopes of returning for curtain on Saturday December 18th.,

ABC7NY reported on Thursday, December 16th, that the COVID 19 positivity rate nearly doubled over three days as per Mayor Bill De Blasio.

Many shows in New York City are requiring proof of vaccination to enter their venues.  This includes children ages 5-11 who are eligible for the Pzifer Pediatric COVID vaccine. New York City is not the only place requiring proof of vaccination for entry into Broadway shows. Many shows in various locations around the country are requiring proof of vaccination to enter.  Recently, I saw the show, Tootsie, at the Walt Disney World Theatre at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, FL and was asked to provide proof of vaccination.

Hopefully, this will be under control next year, and we can have a Holiday Season of shows we know and love.

Source: ABC7NY