Broadway reopening in the fall gives hope to Twin Cities theater-makers
May 6—With news that Broadway productions have the green light to resume starting Sept. 14 in New York City, Twin Cities theater leaders said the reopening is good news for local stages. In-person, indoor local performance schedules are still in flux.
Here's what local theater-makers said Thursday:
Rod Kaats, producing artistic director at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul: "Knowing that the marquee lights on Broadway are about to come on ... well that's what lights the way back for all of us — the ushers, stage crews, musicians, performers, support staff and so many more people who count on theaters being lit for their livelihood. I know our audience is as excited to be back and reconnect as all of us are. Never will so many people be experiencing the power of live theater for the first time in a long time. That energy can light 1,000 marquees. I can't wait for all us to be back in the theater — it's where we belong."
"We are encouraged by this news," said Dale Stark, public relations manager for Hennepin Theatre Trust, which brings Broadway touring productions to Minneapolis. "We share in the excitement of the entire touring Broadway community as we look forward to reopening our doors and welcoming back the public. Soon, Broadway fans will once again be able to enjoy the laughter, love and life-changing transformation that only live performances can provide." Disney's "Frozen" is scheduled to kick off the 2021-22 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season in October.
Guthrie managing director James Haskins: "The opening of stages on Broadway is just one more encouraging sign that we'll be able to fulfill our mission of serving the community through performances onstage soon."
