Andrew Lloyd Webber has said he doesn’t think theatres will be able to reopen until September, despite the fact Broadway is currently only scheduled to be dark until June.
Theatres in London began to announce closures in mid-March following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's advice to the public to avoid large gatherings.
Speaking to Page Six, the composer said the idea that the Broadway theatres are planning to start up again on June 7 is “optimistic” and “ridiculous”, adding “I think this peaks in June and theatres remain closed until end of September”.
His upcoming production of Cinderella – a brand new musical written with Emerald Fennell – was due to open in August and was one of the first to be officially postponed, with the push back to October being announced at the start of last month.
Lloyd Webber said the show is “ready for rehearsal, orchestral arrangements done, we hoped for a workshop in three weeks. But nobody’s even making scenery.”
Three people in his company have had coronavirus, and both of his sons tested positive. Speaking about how he keeps himself healthy he said: “I, myself, put a bag over my head with steaming water filled with medication that clears the airwaves and clears your nasal passages.”
In the meantime, Lloyd Webber is finding plenty of other ways to keep connected with audiences. He has been performing songs on social media and challenging other composers including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Nile Rodgers to musical play-offs.
More significantly though, he is sharing his musicals for free on YouTube every weekend – Jesus Christ Superstar, with Mel C, Chris Moyles and Tim Minchin, is the next one up, running throughout Easter weekend. The following show is yet to be announced.
