Broadway in Cincinnati Overcomes the Stressors of the Pandemic

During the pandemic, many industries had to adjust or come to a halt. Like many performing arts organizations across the globe, the future of theater was put into question.  

Broadway shows and theaters across the country were one of the first businesses to shut down due to large groups, but they were also the last to re-open, explained Genevieve Holt, Vice President of the Midwest Region for Broadway Across America.  

However, nearly two years after the pandemic, Broadway in Cincinnati has continued to bring the queen city community together through the world of theater as it prepares for the new season this fall. 

According to Holt, the theater couldn’t reopen until they could do it “full scale.” 

“Everybody was coming to the table to try to figure out how exactly we could get back to work safely,” she said. 

At the time, the solution was a combination of people wearing masks in the audience, people backstage wearing masks, vaccine requirements and consistent Covid tests to ensure the safety of staff members and the well-being of the community. 

“Eventually, we got to a place where everybody thought, okay, maybe we can do this. “It’s safe people are starting to go out a little bit more,” she said. 

In fall of 2021, Broadway in Cincinnati was able to have their first show Pretty Woman since shutting down from Covid in March 2020.  

Despite handling show cancellations from time to time during the 2021-2022 season due to Covid, Broadway in Cincinnati has continued to remain up and running, explained Holt.  

Although theater performances were put on hold from Spring 2020 to Fall 2021, Broadway in Cincinnati kept the heart of performing arts alive in a different manner.  

While no live in person performances were happening during the pandemic, behind the scenes progress was made.  

From writers developing early stages of musicals to having virtual auditions, the theater found creative ways to prevail.  

Despite the challenges Broadway in Cincinnati faced during the pandemic, the life of theater returned almost as if it never left.  

“I think if you came to the theater tomorrow night it would feel very much like if you were at the theater in 2019,” said Holt.  

If you or your family are interested in seeing a show on Broadway in Cincinnati, the next few shows occurring this fall are listed below:  

• MJ September 5-7 
• Girl From the North Country October 17-29
• Disney’s Aladdin November 14-19 

“The quality of the talent is every bit as good as what you see on Broadway in New York,” said Holt. 

For more information on how to purchase tickets for Broadway in Cincinnati click here.