NYS Music 202​0

Tag: broadway

  • Movement to make The Apollo Theater an official Broadway House gains momentum

    There are 41 theaters on Broadway and they each have one thing in common: none are owned by African-Americans. The Apollo Theater, located on 125th street in Harlem, opened its doors to the public in 1914 and has been a vibrant piece of New York’s history and culture ever since. Many jazz, R&B, and soul legends began their paths to fame at the Apollo theater’s famous amateur nights. The theater has been both a state and city landmark since 1983 and still remains an important part of New York theater to this day. Despite this, it is not considered a Broadway theater.

    apollo theater broadway
    photo by Jamie Huenefeld

    The only thing which distinguishes Broadway from Off-Broadway is the number of a theater’s seats. All Broadway theaters must have 500 seats or more; theaters with 99-499 seats are deemed Off-Broadway. The Apollo Theater has 1,506 seats.

    A petition to make the Apollo Theater a Broadway theater has been attracting attention in the past few days. If it were a Broadway theater, yhe Apollo would be eligible for Tony Awards and become involved in Tony nominations. As the Apollo Theater works to represent the cultural diversity of New York City, many believe that more BIPOC actors and team members would be nominated for Tony awards were the theater given leeway in the nominations.

    The Apollo Theater is currently closed with no events scheduled through June 30.

  • This darkness has got to give: Music venues during COVID-19 across New York State

    As we enter June, the fourth month where live music performances are postponed until it is deemed safe to have mass gatherings due to COVID-19, we take a look at the music venues across the state that are closed for now, but in the coming months will hopefully reopen.

    Working with 13 photographers to document more than 60 venues in 20 cities across New York State, we present this monthly series that will look at the current conditions of these beloved venues. As they reopen, we will provide photo documentation recording the changes over time in all corners of the state.

    Great thanks to all photographers and venues who take part in this series.

    Buffalo – photos by Zachary Todtenhagen

    Capital District – photos by Zach Culver

    Brooklyn – photos by Joseph Buscarello

    Hudson Valley – photos by Mickey Deneher

    Long Island – photos by Andrew Camera

    Plattsburgh – photos by Jerry Cadieux

    Manhattan – photos by Jamie Huenefeld

    Syracuse – photos by Josh Davis

    Utica – photos courtesy of The Stanley Theatre

    Ithaca – photos by Casey Martin

    Long Island – photos by Rob Tellerman

    Brooklyn and Manhattan – photos by Steve Malinski

    Port Chester – photo by Chad Anderson

  • Broadway shows will not return until Labor Day at the earliest

    When New York hit PAUSE, that included all live performances on Broadway. Initially planned to shut down until April 12, then until June 7, the goalposts have shifted to Labor Day, September 6 as the earliest Broadway doors will reopen. However, an official return date has not yet been announced.

    “While all Broadway shows would love to resume performances as soon as possible, we need to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who comes to the theatre—behind the curtain and in front of it—before shows can return,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the Broadway League. “Throughout this challenging time, we have been in close communication with Governor Cuomo’s office and are grateful for his support and leadership as we work together to bring back this vital part of New York City’s economy—and spirit.”

    Last year, Broadway attracted a record 15 million people. Producers and labor unions are discussing ways theaters can reopen safely.

    Actors’ Equity Association, which represents 51,000 actors and stage managers, called the postponment “difficult but necessary.”

    “Before our members can safely return to work, we will need new protocols that protect audiences and workers alike,” said Mary McColl, executive director of the association.

    broadway labor day

    Hours after the latest postponement came word that producers of the upcoming revival of Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” have pushed the production to next year. Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker will now star in the revival starting in March 2021.

    Other shows scheduled to open this spring have abandoned their plans, including “Hangmen” and a revival of Edward Albee’s “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”

    Additionally, the postponed Tony Awards, initially planned for June 7, have not yet been rescheduled.

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