Broadway's Booth Theatre Usher Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BroadwayWorld has learned that an usher working at the Booth Theatre last week has tested positive for Coronavirus and has been quarantined. The theatre has been given a deep clean and performances are set to go on as scheduled.

According a joint statement between the Shubert and Nederlander Organizations:

"Last evening, we were notified that a part-time employee of both organizations has tested positively for COVID-19 (Cornonavirus). Immediately upon learning of the positive test, both organizations began taking every step necessary to ensure the safety of our audiences, performers, crew, and building staff.

"The individual, who is currently under quarantine, most recently worked at the Shubert's Booth Theater on Tuesday, March 3rd through Friday March 7th as an usher. As a result, a deep cleaning, following all current government standards, has been completed at the Booth Theater.

"The employee also recently worked at the Nederlander's Brooks Atkinson Theater on the evening of February 25th and the matinee of March 1st, expediting lines outside the building. Out of an abundance of caution, a deep cleaning is currently scheduled to take place overnight at the Brooks Atkinson Theater.

"Leadership of both organizations have been in contact with the State of New York, as well as the City of New York, and we are closely following all protocols related to containment and prevention. We are exercising necessary due caution with all our employees and the public. Employees of the theaters and productions who may have been exposed were notified and advised to monitor their health diligently and follow best practices related to personal hygiene, as well as directed to stay at home if they are ill. In addition, we are urging any high-risk audience members who attended these performances in the past several days to follow similar guidance.

"This evening's performances of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf at the Booth, SIX at the Brooks Atkinson, and all other Broadway shows have determined they will continue as scheduled. Any ticketholder that prefers to attend a future performance of Virginia Woolf or SIX will be provided the opportunity for an exchange at the point of purchase.

"Our teams are continuing to monitor and address the situation in real time, and will provide updates as appropriate. Among the many reasons that Broadway is unique is the connection between our audiences, the performers, and the women and men who work on the production teams and within our theaters. We are committed to making sure this never changes, and we will continue to provide a safe and special experience for all involved."

In a note to all Shubert employees, a representative of the company notes there is no cause for concern as to any other location and asks staff to monitor their health and not come to work if sick.

Broadway theatres have cancelled stage dooring and back stage visits, and have implemented stringent cleaning and disinfectant schedules for front of house and backstage areas. The Broadway League has worked with theatres to add hand sanitizer to public areas.

The Booth is currently home to Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf starring two-time Tony Award and three-time Emmy Award winner Laurie Metcalf, Rupert Everett, 2019 Olivier Award winner Patsy Ferran, and Russell Tovey was announced. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello and is set to officially open on Thursday, April 9, at the Booth Theatre (222 West 45th Street).

The number of cases in New York State hit 212 with 48 in New York City. (As of 3/11/2020 4:00 PM)

For ticket refunds, reach out to your original point of purchase. Credit card transactions from the box office/official ticketing agent are usually automatically refunded.