After 18 months, with much fanfare, Disney‘s Aladdin returned to the New Amsterdam Theater on Broadway. The show was then summarily shut down when there were breakthrough cases of COVID-19 among the cast. One of their washes for the genie should have been an infection free run of the show.
All performances of the popular musical through Sunday, Oct. 10, are off. In a statement, the company said, “Although negative PCR testing allowed us to move safely forward with last night’s performance of Aladdin at The New Amsterdam Theatre, additional breakthrough COVID-19 cases were detected within the company today.”
Blythe Adamson, the epidemiologist working with Disney Theatrical Productions on its Broadway shows said, “This 12-day pause allows the Aladdin company ample time to ensure that people with breakthroughs recover, and any other potential breakthroughs are identified before the Aladdin company gathers again.”
Added Disney, “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 1 through Sunday, October 10. We will continue to provide support to the affected Aladdin company members as they recover. The Broadway League announced that all Broadway venues would continue to require COVID vaccinations for audiences, performers and staff through the end of the year, at which time the policy will be reviewed for another possible extension.