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Update: A spokesperson for Disney Theatrical tells PEOPLE on Thursday that performances for the Aladdin musical will resume on Sept. 30 after two rounds of COVID-19 testing done in the last 24 hours showed no new breakthrough cases.
Disney’sAladdinmusical on Broadway has canceled its Wednesday night show after multiple breakthrough cases ofCOVID-19were detected within members of the production.
“Through our rigorous testing protocols, breakthrough COVID-19 cases have been detected with the company ofAladdinat The New Amsterdam Theatre,” astatementshared on the show’s verified Twitter account read. “Because the wellness and safety of our guests, casts, and crew are our top priority, tonight’s performance, Wednesday, September 29th, is canceled.”
Tickets for Wednesday’s performance will be refunded, though it’s unclear when the show will resume its regular schedule.
“We will communicate the status of future performances tomorrow,” the statement read. “We will continue to provide support for theAladdincompany members as they recover.”
The cancellation comes 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.
ActorMichael James Scott, who plays the Genie inAladdin, alsovisited the set ofGood Morning Americaon Monday to promote the show.
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.
According to a priorannouncement from the Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry, exceptions can be made for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination provided that they show proof of a negative COVID-19 test before entering the venue.
“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
