Broadway's "Aladdin" shuts after only one performance since "Re-opening Night" due to breakthrough COVID cases
This story is from CBSNewYork.com
Just two weeks after celebrating the return of Broadway, one of the most anticipated shows has been shut down.
Wednesday night's performance of "Aladdin" was canceled after there were positive COVID tests within the cast and crew.
"Aladdin" made its triumphant return Tuesday night, even tweeting video of its curtain call 18 months in the making, adding #BroadwayIsBack.
Wish that you could've seen last night's reopening night curtain call? Wish granted. Check out this clip of our amazing cast as they take the stage for the first time in eighteen months to bring this story back to Broadway. #BroadwayIsBack pic.twitter.com/ekbKtD8n9j
— Aladdin the Musical (@aladdin) September 29, 2021
But who knew it would be curtains for the show in just 24 hours due to breakthrough cases in the company?
Important information regarding tonight's performance. pic.twitter.com/zVHzgHuuSi
— Aladdin the Musical (@aladdin) September 29, 2021
"We were disappointed. We drove in, and we listened to the soundtrack on the way in," Meredith Picone told CBS New York.
Picone brought her 8-year-old son, Tyler, from Stony Brook, Long Island, to see the show, only to be shown the stage door.
"We were shocked and stunned, but we were disappointed," she said.
It was a longer trip for a group that came from Pontiac, Michigan.
Asked whether it was disappointing, Cecelia Wilson replied, "Yes, it was … because I'm really a kid at heart."
"That's why I wanted to come, to see this," Madison Lee said.
With dozens of new shows upcoming, it raises concerns about whether other shows could also be put in COVID jeopardy.
"Broadway has a way, especially even in the films of Disney, they found a way to connect to every generation. … If it does affect any other Broadway musical, 'Harry Potter,' 'Dear Evan Hansen,' it would be a real shock," Upper West Side resident Brian Snipes said.
For now, "Aladdin" lovers will have to wait for the re-reopening, whenever that is.
Customers will get a full refund for their tickets. It's unclear when performances will resume.