COVID-19 is being contained by Broadway’s hit musical “Aladdin.”
Disney Theatrical Productions announced Friday’s cancellation and that all shows through Oct. 12 will be canceled after additional breakthrough COVID-19 cases were discovered.
After 18 months of being closed down due to the pandemic it reopened Tuesday. However, the show was forced to close Wednesday after breakthrough COVID-19 cases within the company. The show was reopened on Thursday, but it was too late for Friday. The temporary closure is a good sign that the monitoring system works in many ways.
“This 12-day pause gives the ‘Aladdin” company ample time for people who have breakthroughs to recover and any other breakthroughs to be identified before the Aladdin’ company gathers again,” Dr. Blythe Adamon, an epidemiologist with Disney Theatrical Productions said in a statement.
People who have been vaccinated are less likely to get so-called breakthrough infections.
Adamson stated that she believes these positive cases are most likely due to exposure from one positive. She has instituted daily PCR tests. The program promised to support the “affected Aladdin” company members in their recovery.
“Aladdin,” the musical adaptation of the animated 1992 movie starring Robin Williams opened on Broadway in March 2014. It has been one of Broadway’s most successful shows.
It was the first Broadway COVID-19 cancelation since shows resumed, with Bruce Springsteen’s concert back in July and “Pass Over,” the first play to debut on August.
Broadway theaters were forced to close abruptly on March 12, 2020 by the pandemic, resulting in the cancellation of all performances and scrambling for the spring season. Many have been restarted, including “Wicked,” Hamilton and “The Lion King”.
All tickets purchased for cancelled performances will be refunded to the original purchase point.