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Tags:Gilbert & Sullivan, New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players, New York theater, NYGASP, Off-Broadway theater
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Broadway Theater Tickets Back on Sale for Performances Beginning Sept 14

May 7, 2021

Broadway theater, New York City’s Great White Way, will fully reopen its doors this September, in accordance with the New York State’s health and safety guidance. Beginning May 6, and throughout May, tickets for Broadway shows – which begin September 14, 2021 – are already on sale at 100 percent of theater capacity.

The announcement builds upon the reopening of performing arts and live entertainment venues at limited capacities last month and further sets the stage for Broadway shows to return to theaters throughout the fall.

“Broadway is at the core of our New York identity, and a big part of our economy which employees countless performers and show creators, and beginning this September, the show will go on,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said.”Visitors from all around the world have come to New York to experience the arts and culture and see iconic performances on Broadway, and sadly, the pandemic put this unique New York experience on pause. Thankfully, as we continue to monitor the data and reopen our economy, we are now on track to allow full capacity performances on Broadway to resume beginning this September, bringing back this beloved world-famous attraction.”

Broadway League President Charlotte St. Martin said, “On behalf of the nearly 100,000 people who make their living on Broadway – on stage, backstage, and throughout the city and state – we are immensely gratified by the support of Governor Cuomo today. Restarting Broadway is a complex endeavor, requiring long lead times for productions the need to reconnect with a sustaining audience from across the country and around the world. Today’s green light by the Governor to put our shows on sale now for the fall is vital to our success. Broadway is the beating heart of NYC tourism and we can’t wait for the day soon when our hearts will beat before a live joyful audience.”

The State will continue to work closely with Broadway industry partners to plan for the safe, successful return of this world-class cultural experience. As public health conditions and the State’s guidance for performing arts and live entertainment changes, Broadway stakeholders will remain flexible and adapt to applicable health protocols, such as face coverings, health screening, enhanced air filtration and ventilation, and rigorous cleaning and disinfection.

The availability of advance sale tickets and marketing for shows begins the months-long process of reopening to full capacity, building momentum to sustain many long and successful Broadway runs. The Governor, Department of Health, Empire State Development, and State agency partners join with the industry in their commitment to creating safe and heathy environments for audiences, performers, and employees to enjoy, perform, and work. If performances need to be postponed due to the public health conditions, theaters have planned to offer customer-friendly refunds and exchange policies.

To support the performance industry in New York City, the FY 2022 enacted budget included $1 billion in Small Business and Arts Relief and Recovery Assistance, which includes the New York City Musical and Theatrical Production Tax Credit Program which provides up to $100 million in tax credits to jump start the industry and revitalize tourism in New York City. Under this program, productions which have their first performance scheduled through December 2022 are eligible for a 25 percent credit on eligible costs.

Prior to the pandemic, almost 250,000 people were seeing a Broadway show every week. Broadway supports nearly 97,000 local jobs and contributes about $14.7 billion every year to the New York City economy.

For more information, visit the Broadway League, the industry’s trade association: www.broadway.org/.

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Tags:Broadway Theater, Broadway theater tickets, New York City reopens, New York City theater, nycgo, The Broadway League, visit New York City
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NYS Greenlights Reopening of Performing Arts, Entertainment Venues

April 7, 2021

Bright lights of Broadway can shine again, as New York State allows reopening of performing arts and entertainment venues with capacity controls and health protocols © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Venues Will Be Able to Host Up to 100 People Indoors or Up to 200 People Outdoors; With Testing or Immunization, Up to 150 People Indoors or Up to 500 People Outdoors

Social Distancing, Face Coverings and Strict Health Protocols Required

Excelsior Pass Now Available for New Yorkers to Show Proof of Vaccination or Recent Negative COVID-19 Test to Attend Venues; Interested New Yorkers Can Use Excelsior Pass and Learn More Here; Interested Businesses Can Learn More Here

New State Guidance Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that performing arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity beginning today. Venues can host up to 100 people indoors or up to 200 people outdoors. If all attendees present proof of completed vaccination or recent negative test result prior to entry, capacity can increase up to 150 people indoors or up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing, face coverings, health screening and other health protocols will be required by all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable Department of Health guidance, which is available here.

“New York’s beloved arts and entertainment venues have been hard hit by the public health guidance we’ve implemented to slow the spread of COVID-19, and after a long and difficult period, I am glad to see them reopen their doors to New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “Attendees will need to follow strict guidance to keep themselves and others safe, but they’ll now be able to watch world-class performances and take part in our state’s thriving arts and culture scene once again. I encourage New Yorkers to get tested before attending events and to use Excelsior Pass to show venues that they’ve been vaccinated or tested before entering performance spaces.”

On March 26, Governor Cuomo announced the launch of Excelsior Pass – a free, voluntary platform developed in partnership with IBM, which utilizes proven, secure technology to confirm an individual’s recent negative PCR or antigen test result or proof of vaccination to help fast-track the reopening of businesses and event venues in accordance with New York State Department of Health guidelines. Similar to a mobile airline boarding pass, individuals will be able to either print out their pass or store it on their smartphones using the Excelsior Pass Wallet app. Each Pass will have a secure QR code, which participating businesses and venues can scan using a companion app to verify proof of COVID-19 negative test results or proof of vaccination. An individual’s data is kept secure and confidential at all times.

Interested New Yorkers can opt in to use Excelsior Pass and learn more here; interested businesses can opt in and learn more here.

On February 20, the Governor announced the launch of NY PopsUp, an unprecedented and expansive festival featuring hundreds of pop-up performances that will revitalize the spirits of New Yorkers with the energy of live performances and will jumpstart the state’s live entertainment industry. During the run of the festival, NY PopsUp will grow in its scale, volume of performances, and geographical footprint. Follow @NYPopsUp on Twitter and Instagram for the latest. More information is available here.

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Tags:I_Love_NY, New York performing arts, New York State tourism, New York theater, NY theater reopens, nycgo, NYS travel, visit NYC
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Weddings, Baseball, Arts and Entertainment Resume in New York State

March 19, 2021

*Wedding receptions and catered events can resume statewide in New York State, following the state’s strict health and safety protocols © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Wedding receptions and catered events can resume statewide in New York. All venues hosting weddings and catered events must follow the State’s strict health and safety protocols, including the following requirements:

Venues are restricted to 50% capacity, with no more than 150 attendees per event
All attendees must have proof of recent negative test result or proof of immunization prior to the event
Sign-in with contact information required to assist with potential contact tracing
Venues must notify local health departments of large events, above the social gathering limit, in advance
Masks will be required at all times except when seated and eating or drinking
Ceremonial and socially-distanced dancing allowed in designated areas

Detailed guidance for in-person and catered events is available here.

“New Yorkers have remained resilient throughout this entire pandemic, and the numbers show how effective our behavior has been in stopping the spread of this virus,” Governor Andrew Cuomo said.”As the state’s positivity and hospitalization numbers continue to decline and we ramp up vaccinations, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting closer and we can focus on safely reopening different sectors of our economy without compromising the progress we’ve made. Weddings and catered events will now be allowed to resume across the state, with strict protocols in place to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers. This is great news – but we must continue with the practices that we know work to defeat this virus once and for all.”

The reopening of wedding receptions and other catered events builds on the Governor’s recent measures to further re-open the economy amid a steady decline in New York’s COVID-19 positivity and hospitalization rates.

Effective March 19th, New York City indoor dining expanded to 50 percent capacity and the rest of New York State increased to 75 percent capacity for indoor dining.

The MTA has partially restored overnight service on the New York City Subway.

On February 14th, the Governor issued an Executive Order extending closing times to 11 p.m. statewide for restaurants, bars, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, billiards halls and any other location with an SLA license.

The Governor also announced beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33 percent capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors.” And Citifield which is the home base for the Mets and Yankee Stadium will be able to welcome fans at 20 percent capacity.

New York’s Major League Baseball teams, the New York Mets and New York Yankees, can resume play with spectators in the stadiums, beginning April 1. Professional sports in large outdoor stadiums that hold 10,000 people or more will be allowed to reopen at 20 percent capacity. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening. The New York State Department of Health will re-evaluate the testing and vaccination entry requirements in May, and if the public health situation continues to improve, they may be discontinued in mid-May. Vaccinations will continue to be administered at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field during the MLB season.

Building on the recent reopening of large professional sports arenas, the Governor also announced that smaller, regional sports venues that hold 1,500 people indoors or 2,500 people outdoors can also reopen, beginning April 1. Initial capacity will be limited to 10 percent indoors and 20 percent outdoors. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening.

Governor Cuomo also announced that large outdoor performing arts venues, including stadiums, that hold more than 2,500 people can reopen at 20 percent capacity, beginning April 1. Venue capacity will continue to increase as the public health situation improves with more New Yorkers receiving vaccinations and fewer COVID-19 cases in the community. Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to strict state guidance on face coverings, social distancing, and health screening.

To re-open professional sports with spectators at large outdoor stadiums, each venue must adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including:

Obtain NYS DOH approval for ALL venues and events
Institute a 20 percent capacity limit
Ensure spectators and public-facing event staff present proof of a recentnegative COVID-19 test result or proof of vaccination prior to the event
Mandate face coverings, social distancing, and temperature checks for all those in attendance
Mandate assigned, socially distanced seating
Collect contact information from all those in attendance to help inform contact tracing efforts
Meet enhanced air filtration, ventilation, and purification standards for any indoor areas
Ensure retail, food services and athletic activities abide by all State-issued guidance

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Tags:I Love New York, New York State tourism, New York State travel, NY weddings, travel in a time of COVID
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Free Broadway Musical Performances at The Shops at Columbus Circle Begin Nov. 11

November 1, 2019

NYC-HolsColumbus_111918_156e2(c) Karen Rubin

The Shops at Columbus Circle kicks off its fourth year of Broadway Under the Stars, a five-week series of free public performances taking place this holiday season. Select cast from today’s hottest Broadway musicals perform against the backdrop of 12 massive stars, one of the largest specialty crafted exhibits of illuminated color displays in the world, suspended from the 100-foot-high ceilings. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

On Monday, November 11, The Shops at Columbus Circle kicks off its fourth year of Broadway Under the Stars, a five-week series of free public performances taking place this holiday season. Select cast from today’s hottest Broadway musicals will perform against the backdrop of the destination’s famous 12 massive stars. These stars, one of the largest specialty crafted exhibits of illuminated color displays in the world, are suspended from the 100-foot-high ceilings. Performances begin at 5 pm and are free to attend and open to the public, no reservations or tickets are required.

The November 11 performances, hosted by Actor George Psomas (Fiddler on the Roof, South Pacific)

Broadway performances from the casts of Waitress, Chicago, Oklahoma! and The Lightening Thief. Each performance takes about 20 minutes.

Future performances at “Broadway Under the Stars” include:

Nov. 18: Come From Away, Rock of Ages

Nov. 25: Dear Evan Hansen, The Illusionists, Frozen

Dec. 2: Beetlejuice, Tootsie, Mean Girls

Dec. 9 : Phantom of the Opera, WICKED

Additional Broadway Under the Stars offerings include specialty cocktails from the Shops at Columbus Circle’s Restaurant and Bar Collection which includes Monday night drink specials like Center Bar’s Pomegranate Smash cocktail ($16).

This winter take on a classic smash uses one of the restaurant’s favorite winter fruits and opts for pomegranate juice over Grenadine for a modern twist. Here’s how you can make it at home:

2 oz High West Prairie Bourbon

1 oz Pomegranate

½ oz Simple

½ oz Lemon Juice

Serve in a Julep cup over crushed ice with a simple drizzle of pomegranate molasses, a couple of Pomegranate seeds and mint sprigs for garnish.

Visit www.theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com for more information and an ever-changing list of events and happenings.

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Tags:Broadway Theater, Broadway Under the Stars, free holiday events, holiday events, holiday happenings in NYC, holiday shopping in NYC, NYC holiday happenings, nycgo, The Shops at Columbus Circle
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2-For-1 Broadway Tickets During NYC Broadway Week, Jan. 21-Feb. 8

January 16, 2019

nyc-broadway theater_111918_228e2(c) karen rubin

NYC Broadway Week, January 21 through February 10, 2019, is when theater goers have the opportunity to purchase 2-for-1 tickets to 24 acclaimed Broadway shows © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

NYC Broadway Week tickets are now on sale. The popular biannual program, now in its ninth year, will run January 21 through February 10, 2019, offering visitors and New Yorkers the opportunity to purchase 2-for-1 tickets to 24 acclaimed Broadway shows. Of the productions, 11 are new program participants, including: Tony Award^®–Winning Best Musical The Book of Mormon; critically acclaimed drama The Ferryman; modern, LGBTQ+ comedy The Prom; and star-studded production True West, among other highly sought-after shows. Tickets for NYC Broadway Week can be purchased now at nycgo.com/broadwayweek.

“Broadway is synonymous with New York City and NYC Broadway Week is the perfect way to discover and experience the world’s best theater at an extraordinary value,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company.

The 24 shows participating in NYC Broadway Week Winter 2019 are:

Aladdin
Anastasia
The Band’s Visit
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
The Book of Mormon**
The Cher Show**
Chicago The Musical
Choir Boy**
Come From Away
Dear Evan Hansen**
The Ferryman**
Frozen
King Kong**
Kinky Boots
The Lion King
Mean Girls**
My Fair Lady
The Phantom of the Opera
Pretty Woman**
The Prom**
True West**
Waitress
The Waverly Gallery**
Wicked

(*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. **New participants in NYC Broadway Week.)

“We are so proud to again partner with NYC & Company for NYC Broadway Week, which is such a celebrated program,” said Charlotte St. Martin, president of The Broadway League. “With nearly three weeks of 2-for-1 tickets and a wide variety of productions including family friendly shows, creative revivals and exciting new works, it’s a great time to go to the theatre.”

NYC Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with AARP, Audience Rewards, The Broadway League, Telecharge and Ticketmaster.

Since its launch in January 2011, NYC Broadway Week has cumulatively sold more than 1,225,000 tickets, generating nearly $84 million in revenue for Broadway. The program, now in its ninth year, welcomes travelers and locals to experience globally renowned, only-in-NYC theater at a value, benefiting the 87,000 strong local Broadway community and bolstering the greater NYC tourism industry. According to The Broadway League, 7.6 million visitors purchased tickets to one or more Broadway shows in the 2017–2018 season.

Last month, NYC & Company announced the alignment of three signature programs with a new initiative, NYC Winter Outing. From January 21 through February 10, NYC Broadway Week, NYC Restaurant Week (concludes February 8), and NYC Must-See Week will create an irresistible draw for domestic and international travelers as well as NYC residents looking to experience a curated selection of the best of New York City entertainment, dining and activities on a dime. For additional information, visit nycgo.com/winterouting.

Tickets for NYC Broadway Week can be purchased now at nycgo.com/broadwayweek.

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Tags:Broadway Theater, Broadway Week, NYC Broadway Week, NYC theater, nycgo, visitnyc
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Take Advantage of 2-For-1 Ticket Offer During NYC Broadway Week Jan 16-Feb 4

January 8, 2018

New York City — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, announced NYC Broadway Week tickets are on sale to the public today beginning at 10:30am EST. The popular biannual program, now in its eighth year, will run January 16 through February 4, 2018, offering visitors and New Yorkers the opportunity to purchase two-for-one tickets to 19 exciting Broadway shows. Of the participants, seven are new Broadway productions, including Farinelli and the King, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Parisian Woman, among others. Tickets for NYC Broadway Week can be purchased now at nycgo.com/broadwayweek.

The 19 shows participating in NYC Broadway Week winter 2018 are:

A Bronx Tale
Aladdin
Anastasia
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Chicago
The Children**
Farinelli and the King**
Hello, Dolly!
John Lithgow: Stories by Heart**
Kinky Boots
Latin History for Morons**
The Lion King
Once on This Island**
The Parisian Woman**
The Phantom of the Opera
The Play That Goes Wrong
School of Rock
SpongeBob SquarePants**
Wicked

*Subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply.

**New participants in NYC Broadway Week.

NYC Broadway Week is produced by NYC & Company in partnership with American Express, The Broadway League, Ticketmaster, Telecharge and Audience Rewards. NYC Broadway Week will be promoted through exclusive content on NYCgo.com, out-of-home media in the five boroughs, print and digital advertising, commercials running in NYC taxicabs and through social media posts on @nycgo and with hashtag #NYCBroadwayWeek.

Since its launch in January 2011, NYC Broadway Week has cumulatively sold more than 1,128,000 tickets, generating nearly $77 million in revenue for Broadway.

Last month, NYC & Company announced the first-ever NYC Broadway Week Winter Stay hotel promotion. This winter, NYC Broadway Week 2-for-1 ticket holders who stay at one of 25 participating hotels will receive a daily $25 food and beverage on-property credit—perfect to use before or after attending a Broadway show. All participating hotels are centrally located to Broadway’s famed Theatre District and will offer attractive room rates as part of the promotion. For an up-to-date list of participating hotels and corresponding links to book, visit nycgo.com/nyc-broadway-week-winter-stay.

New Yorkers and visitors also are encouraged to seek out the ultimate-value week this winter, January 29 through February 4, when three of NYC & Company’s signature programs align: NYC Broadway Week, NYC Restaurant Week, and NYC Must-See Week. Hotel savings are also available as the winter season offers the most attractive hotel rates of the year, particularly on the evening of Super Bowl Sunday (February 4). For all there is to do in NYC this winter, visit nycgo.com/winter.

For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nycgo.com.

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