The Metropolitan Opera announced that it will be closed until fall 2021 due to the continuing threat of COVID-19. The Met had previously hoped to restart its season on Dec. 31, 2020, but now says it has been advised by its health officials to wait until the fall, or a time at which “a vaccine is widely in use, herd immunity is established, and the wearing of masks and social distancing is no longer a medical requirement.” Met audiences are much larger than Broadway shows because of the size of choruses and orchestra members.
As for Broadway, theaters are closed through at least Jan 3, 2021. There is talk that some productions may begin rehearsals in early 2021, but that’s subject to Covid-19 case numbers and whether a vaccine is available.
It’s obvious that neither the Met nor Broadway can operate with the social distancing rules of having reduced seating as finances wouldn’t allow it. Cost of producing at the Met would have to be substantially reduced until full audiences can once again attend, something the unions don’t favor.
At this point the Met is talking about Sept 2021 to resume with Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones.
Another thing to keep in mind . . .once a vaccine has been pronounced safe, it will take at least 5-6 months to meet safety rules.
