The Show Must Go On: A Glimpse of What’s to Come for The Theater-loving Community
As we watch the post-pandemic world reopen the curtains of its freshly polished stages, the highly anticipated return of world-class talent to theater traditions brings hope to artistic communities.
When theaters across the globe made a pivot to provide much-needed entertainment at the height of the global pandemic, we rejoiced in our isolation and deservedly praised the considerate effort. World-acclaimed theater houses opened their virtual doors through video streaming or access to a curated set of recorded performances, satisfying our insatiable thirst for artful experiences.
And while these did well to remind us of our most cherished theater moments, nothing beats the scent of a newly-printed playbill, the meters-away distance to a well-lit stage, the welcome noise of a crowd as it fills the venue, and the incredible excitement as the curtains open.
From London’s West End to NYC’s Broadway
Thankfully, two of the world’s most beloved homes of the performing arts have reopened recently. Albeit socially distanced, fans were more than happy to find themselves seated and watching a rejuvenated community rise from the ashes.
Source: https://www.playbill.com/article/london-production-of-les-miserables-will-temporarily-switch-theatres-then-reopen-with-new-version
London’s West End has resumed operations, with the world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap, among the first to return. The London production of Dear Evan Hansen, 2020’s Olivier Award winner for Best Musical, also returns this October with a US tour set in December as well.
Pre-pandemic, London’s theater scene contributes £1 billion annually to the British economy, according to Variety. And while safety protocols may contribute to an expectedly lower profit margin, the return in itself is a feat worth the praise.
On the other side of the globe, New York City slowly eased its restrictions. Yet many theater productions are slated to reopen before the year ends (30 to be exact, with half the number opening in September). Hamilton, The Lion King, and Wicked—Broadway’s biggest hits before the pandemic hit the country, are expected to announce its return in September.
Source: https://newyorktheater.me/2019/08/09/moulin-rouge-review-a-jukebox-musical-for-the-age-of-spotify/
The New York Times reports that Broadway, home to 41 theaters, earns an annual profit of $1.8 billion in tickets before the pandemic. In the aftermath of social unrest and the BLM movement, however, a more progressive set of rules is expected to steer a post-pandemic audience’s theater yearnings.
Resurrecting The Filipino Theater Scene
In the Philippines, as vaccine rollout expedites our country’s return to normal, the expectations for a safe and secure theater experience remain high more than ever. Masks and even proofs of vaccination are expected to be firm requirements when adhering to COVID protocols. Social distancing etiquette is just as expected to be enforced inside theaters.
Early this year, as cinemas attempted to resume operations, news of no-food and no-bathroom break policies greatly discouraged the public from watching films in movie houses regardless of the necessity. In the end, film operators decided to wait it out.
What this reminds us is how the symbiotic relationship of theater and the theater-goer greatly impacts the profitability and survivability of the community. Each theater has its own respected set of precautions that guests are expected to follow. And while the discerning audience ultimately dictates profitability, community-supported theaters are empowered to dare more and provide a wider range of entertainment opportunities.
So much has been learned and magnified from the theater industry’s pandemic experience. Returning to its glory days will prove to be an arduous journey. But in the spirit of nourishing culture and reviving traditions, it is but a yellow brick road that the community is more than willing to take. Until then, the Circuit Performing Arts Theater and the local theater community bide their time, preparing for a brilliant return to extraordinary.
For more information, contact inquire.cpat@ayalaland.com.ph or call via (+63917) 804.9336.
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