Photo: John Lamparski/Getty
Disney’sAladdinBroadway musical has been canceled for two weeks after additional COVID breakthrough cases were detected on Friday.
The cancelation comes a day after the musical resumed performances;initial COVID breakthrough cases were reportedamong the company of the musical on Wednesday, canceling that night’s performance.
“Because the wellness and safety of our guests, cast and crew remain our top priority, we feel the prudent decision is to cancel performances starting tonight, Friday, October 1st through Sunday, October 10th,” the statement read. “Our next planned performance is Tuesday, October 12th at 7pm.”
Blythe Adamson, an epidemiologist working with Disney Theatrical Productions, said in the statement, “Given my evaluation of this real-world data, I believe these positive cases are most likely related to an exposure from one positive case. This 12-day pause allows theAladdincompany ample time to ensure that people with breakthroughs recover, and any other potential breakthroughs are identified before theAladdincompany gathers again.”
“Daily PCR testing allows us the opportunity to detect a positive case before it is contagious,” she continued. “This allows us to isolate it before anyone else is put at risk, as we have done several times with theAladdincompany. Morning and evening swabs collected on Thursday returned highly accurate negative molecular PCR test results for all cast, crew and musicians that affirmed a safe performance environment for our company and audience.”
Tickets for all dates affected will be refunded at the original point of purchase.
Wednesday’s performance ofAladdinwas canceled with tickets refunded to the public. The cancellation came just a day afterAladdinreopened following Broadway’s year-long closure due to the pandemic.
In celebration of its return, the show’s cast appeared alongside stars from Broadway’sFrozenandThe Lion Kingfor anin-studio performanceduring Wednesday’s broadcast ofThe View.
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ActorMichael James Scott, who plays the Genie inAladdin, alsovisited the set ofGood Morning Americaon Monday to promote the show.
Representatives for ABC were unable to provide a comment to PEOPLE following Wednesday’s cancellation.
Breakthrough cases— COVID-19 infections that occur in people who have been fully vaccinated against the virus — are rare, but possible and expected, as the vaccines are not 100 percent effective in preventing infections. Still, vaccinated people who test positive will likely be asymptomatic or experience a far milder illness than if they were not vaccinated. The majority of deaths from COVID-19 — around 98 to 99 percent —are in unvaccinated people.
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Currently, Broadway requires all performers, backstage crew and off-stage employees in its theaters to bevaccinated against COVID-19. Audiences who attend the shows must show proof of vaccination and wear a mask during performances.
On Friday, the Broadway League announced it wouldextend its existing COVID protocolsand requirements through the end of the year.
“It’s been 18 months,” Scott said ofAladdin’s reopening during his appearance onGood Morning Americaearlier this week. “People are hungry for Broadway. They’re hungry for live theater and what this means for the country and the world.”
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source: people.com
