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 Tickets will go on sale
beginning on Thursday and theaters will be
allowed to fill 100% of capacity, Cuomo said.
Broadway theaters are among New York's biggest
tourist attractions.
"Broadway is a major part of our state's
identity and economy, and we are thrilled that
the curtains will rise again," Cuomo said on
Twitter.
Live theater is one of the last sectors to come
back after the pandemic because of the
challenges of social distancing for actors on
stage, for crews backstage and for audiences in
cramped seating in old buildings.
While New York plans to lift most pandemic
restrictions in two weeks, Broadway theaters
need more time for rehearsals, marketing to draw
crowds and other steps.
"Restarting Broadway is a complex endeavor,"
said Charlotte St. Martin, president of the
Broadway League, an industry group. "Today's
green light by the governor to put our shows on
sale now for the fall is vital to our success."
Producers will work with state authorities on
what safety measures will be required. It is
possible theaters will mandate proof of a
coronavirus vaccination for audience members,
New York budget director Robert Mujica said.
"Will people feel comfortable sitting right next
to another individual without knowing their
vaccination status?" Mujica said at a news
conference. "What we do know from surveys is
that the answer is no."
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 Thousands of actors, dancers,
musicians and backstage crew were thrown out of
work when Broadway theaters closed in March
2020. Some shows, including the hit musicals
"Frozen" and "Mean Girls," have said they will
not return.
Thirty-one Broadway shows were in production
when the shutdown began, including hits such as
"Hamilton," "The Lion King" and "Wicked."
Each returning show will announce its re-opening
date in the coming weeks, the Broadway League
said.
More than 14.8 million tickets were sold for
Broadway shows in the 2018-2019 season, bringing
$1.8 billion in box office receipts, according
to the Broadway League. Some 63% of those going
to shows were tourists, from outside the United
States or outside New York.
"It's time to get back to work, and I can't wait
to be back on stage very soon," said Sara
Bareilles, songwriter and star of the musical
"Waitress."
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine in Los Angeles and
Peter Szekely in New York;Editing by Rosalba
O'Brien)
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