The big weekend has arrived – performing arts establishments are allowed to reopen at 33% capacity, with a limit of 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors. However, it’s not quite as simple as it sounds. It’s a major financial problem thinking that a one-third capacity especially on Broadway or in large concert facilities will bring audiences but to what end?
Small jazz, cabaret, comedy clubs are popping up, for instance, at places like Comedy Cellar where performers are vying for time to return to the stage, as they are at StandUp New York and New York Comedy Club. Safety protocols are in place.
The Shed in Hudson Yards opened but requires proof of vaccination or a recent negative Covid test.
The Rooftop Concert Series at Showfields features Derek Klena, and on April 16, Ana Villafane, followed by Bradley Gibson on April 17.
Blindness – the immersive audio adaptation of Jose Saramgo’s dystopian novel – opens at the Daryl Roth Theatre but doesn’t include live actors. The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte in Central Park is slated for a July opening. The off Broadway show The Office! A Musical Parody will return and the Brooklyn Academy of Music looks forward to presenting a modern dance on ice in Prospect Park.
The pandemic has prompted the Park Avenue Armory to open with an interactive, experiential movement piece where audience members dance in their own socially distanced spotlight. The 13 scheduled performances are sold out.
Cabarets set to reopen include Don’t Tell Mama, The Green Room 42 and The Triad. But many others await the 50% rule as a wait and see how others do at one-third, including City Winery where live performances with comics and musicians are anxiously waiting their return.
Fingers crossed as we lurch forward to get back to some normalcy. But don’t forget Sunday is still a go for the Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival on Fifth Avenue where judges from the fashionista community will select winners for a multitude of prizes. Check out @fifthavenue and #EasterOnFifth. Of course, this is the perfect time to relive favorite film Easter Parade with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire!
And check out TimeOut for many other live performance this weekend.
