by Matt Smith . . .
As virus variants close in on us and mask mandates pop back into effect across the country and within the state, there’s no question it’s imperative that we do everything we can to protect ourselves and our health. But while we hope everyone does their part to shield themselves from COVID-19, we also understand that, in terms of vaccination, some may still be on the fence.
Never ones to squelch an opportunity to raise awareness, we “took to the streets” with a semi-spinoff of our Quarantine Questionnaire, asking six top talents to not only share their views on getting vaxxed, but offer words on why they feel it’s worth it for YOU to receive your jabs as well.
Remember, you must show proof of vaccination to attend any of the shows that open or re-open this Fall, so if you wanna see that curtain rise, rise, rise again, it’s best to scroll through and see why now is the time to take that vaccination plunge! The lights are dimming. Places, places please…
Evie Dolan (School of Rock: The Musical):
My first response [to the question “Why did I get vaccinated?”] is why wouldn’t I have? The pandemic has been so devastating for the whole world, and vaccines are clearly the only answer to preventing any further death, suffering and/or trauma. I am amazed that the scientists were able to develop such a safe and effective vaccine so quickly and I am so grateful to them.
Sophia Gennusa (Matilda the Musical):
Aside from the fact that my college requires [me having] the vaccine so that I can attend classes in person this Fall, I believe I am doing my part not only to protect myself, but everyone else as well. The one thing we can agree on is that this pandemic has changed our lives dramatically, and not in a positive way. Getting vaccinated is a small thing I can do to help enact positive change and protect people’s health.
Michael James Leslie (The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, Barrow Street Sweeney Todd):
Plain and simple: vaccination can mean the difference between life and death. You do it to protect others.
Bobbi MacKenzie (School of Rock: The Musical):
I got the vaccine because I wanted to feel safe, and I wanted others to be safe. Other people should get the vaccine because they’d not only be protecting themselves, but they’d be protecting others from the virus as well.
Robbie Rozelle (Broadway Records):
I chose to get vaccinated because I value my personal health, and to protect the health of the people around me. That’s why I feel everyone who can, should.
Analise Scarpaci (Mrs. Doubtfire):
I got vaccinated because I have an autoimmune disease which affects my ability to fight illnesses. I think other people should get vaccinated because, like others have said, not only does it help you fight against the virus, but it also helps protect others. Now, I’m not going to force you to get vaccinated because it is your choice and everyone has to do what’s best for their own body and health… but I’d really like you to so our lives can get back to what they were pre-pandemic.
Broadway will continue to re-open gradually throughout the Fall and Winter 2021-2022. For a comprehensive list of shows opening by date, click here.
