Reopening of ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway Halted by COVID-19 Cases

Reopening of ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway Halted by COVID-19 Cases
The marquee of the New Amsterdam theater appears in New York on Sept. 30, 2021. Seth Wenig/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

NEW YORK—The hit Broadway show “Aladdin” was canceled Wednesday night when breakthrough COVID-19 cases were reported within the musical’s company, a day after the show reopened following some 18 months of being shuttered due to the pandemic.

“Through our rigorous testing protocols, breakthrough COVID-19 cases have been detected within the company of ‘Aladdin’ at the New Amsterdam Theatre,” the show announced on social media. “Because the wellness and safety of our guests, cast, and crew are our top priority, tonight’s performance, Wednesday, Sept. 29 , is canceled.”

The marquee of the New Amsterdam theater appears in New York on Sept. 30, 2021. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)
The marquee of the New Amsterdam theater appears in New York on Sept. 30, 2021. Seth Wenig/AP Photo

It was the first Broadway COVID-19 cancellation since shows resumed with Bruce Springsteen’s concert returning in July and “Pass Over” as the first play to debut in August. “Aladdin” said the status of future performances “will be updated.”

Broadway theaters were forced to abruptly close on March 12, 2020, amid the pandemic, knocking out all shows and scrambling the spring season. Several have restarted, including the so-called big three of “Wicked,” “Hamilton” and “The Lion King.”