Half of the shows scheduled to hold performances on Broadway on Super Bowl Sunday have decided to cancel, due to the first ever season finale in New York City.
Broadway shows have been known to cancel before due to adverse weather conditions, technical problems or circumstances beyond normal control – such as the events of September 11, 2001 – but this is the first time that the scheduling has been altered to accommodate a sporting event.
Of the 28 shows currently showing on Broadway, 14 have cancelled their performances on February 2 and eight have changed their show times. Just three shows are keeping their schedule as it is, including Waiting for Godot starring Sir Patrick Stewart and Sir Ian McKellen.
Despite the changes, executive director of The Broadway League, Charlotte St Martin, has stated that the city and the arts are keen to embrace the spectacle, saying: "Broadway shows are rolling out the red carpet for visiting football fans to make it easy for them to see a show or two or three when in town."
Musical Rock of Ages is set to perform at the NFL Tailgate Party outside the MetLife Stadium on the day of the game.
Additionally, the NFL is turning 13 blocks of Broadway into "Super Bowl Boulevard" in the days leading up to the game between the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks, allowing travelling fans to view special events, including live outside shows and concerts.
Joe McPhee
