New York City Reopens and Invites Visitors Back to Broadway BUT Everyone Aged 12 and Older is Required to Show Proof of Vaccination

Following the return of Broadway favourites 'Waitress' and 'Hadestown', some of Broadway's most anticipated returning shows reopen this evening including 'Hamilton', 'Wicked', 'The Lion King', and 'Chicago', as well as TKTS Times Square and New York City is inviting you to visit... but EVERYONE over the age of TWELVE is required to show proof of vaccination

NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, is inviting New Yorkers and visitors to re-discover the Crossroads of the World and beyond as Broadway makes its long anticipated return. In addition to Broadway, new and newly reopened hotels, restaurants, tours and attractions, and cultural offerings give travellers myriad reasons to re-engage with Times Square, one of New York City’s most iconic neighbourhoods.

This past week, audiences celebrated the reopening of Broadway’s Waitress and Hadestown, and last night the casts of Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King and Chicago invited theatre-goers to the historic theatres in Times Square. It was a momentous day for the return of the world’s most iconic theatre neighbourhood, and the internationally recognised TKTS® discount ticket booth in Times Square also reopened yesterday. The return of Broadway in Times Square signals a key moment in New York City’s recovery from the pandemic and a cause for celebration by New Yorkers and visitors alike. Not only does New York City boast an unparalleled theatre scene, it is home to an array of iconic hotels, exceptional restaurants, interesting tours, and a wide range of attractions.

“Take a stroll through Times Square and you’ll see that our economic recovery is in full force this fall,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Our tourism comeback is fueled by Broadway, as visitors from far and wide flock back to New York City. Come and enjoy a show, or two, or three.”

“As Broadway returns, we look forward to welcoming increasing numbers of locals and visitors back to the pulsing Crossroads of the World,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “With world-class hotels, dining, arts and culture, attractions, tours and live entertainment, there’s no better time to feel the heartbeat of New York City as we reach this milestone in the recovery of the tourism industry.”

Daily pedestrian counts in Times Square reached 255,000 during Labor Day Weekend, with Sunday having the highest pedestrian count of the pandemic so far at 263,902.

“Over the past few weeks, we have continued to see foot traffic in Times Square increase as more and more New Yorkers and visitors spend time in New York City’s most vibrant neighbourhood,” said Tom Harris, President of the Times Square Alliance. “With Broadway returning and the reopening of hotels, restaurants and attractions, along with brand-new hotels and restaurants, there are countless reasons to visit Times Square on your next trip to New York City.”

“Broadway’s return signifies a major milestone in New York City’s recovery, and more specifically, for the entire cultural community of the City,” said Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League. “We will be celebrating with a three-day festival in Times Square featuring three live, free outdoor concerts including the Jimmys on 17 September, Viva Broadway on 18 September and the final event featuring 18 current shows and many iconic performances of Broadway favorites on 19 September. We cannot wait to welcome both New Yorkers and visitors back to our theatres.”

The theatrical stories and adventures of Oz, Agrabah, the famous Palais Garnier opera house and more will return to the grand stages of Broadway with new health protocols requiring audience members to wear masks and show proof of vaccination, or a recent negative coronavirus test if the patron is under the age of 12.

The TKTS discount ticket booth in Times Square (“under the red steps”) at Broadway and 47th Street reopened yesterday, 14 September. An internationally known symbol of Broadway, TKTS sells same-day discounted tickets to matinee and evening performances as well as next-day tickets to matinee performances (up to 50% off) of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.

To celebrate the triumphant return of Broadway, a three-day outdoor Broadway festival, Curtain Up! will take place from 17 – 19 September in Times Square featuring live performances, panel discussions and concerts, culminating with a live, free outdoor concert with Broadway favourites on 19 September.

The beauty of staying in Times Square is that visitors can escape to a Caribbean island in the middle of Manhattan or unwind at a multi-story spa without leaving the City. Included below are new and newly reopened hotels in the Times Square area:

  • The New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square recently underwent a refurbishment on all of the hotel’s bars, restaurants, ballrooms, meeting rooms and retail spaces. It also added a 240-foot skybridge spanning the hotel atrium.
  • The recently opened Arlo Midtown marries calming neutral elements with modern accents and features a nine-story atrium framed by a custom wooden sculpture wall and a rooftop bar with skyline and Hudson River views.
  • The new Margaritaville Resort Times Square offers a tropical oasis with island-themed rooms, a pool deck, bars featuring tropical craft cocktails, and additional dining and refreshment options including the Margaritaville New York restaurant.
  • Designed as a cultural hub for the Broadway community, Civilian NYC will open this autumn in the heart of the Theatre District. A dramatic and luxurious setting will feature draping and marquee lighting, a secret garden and second floor lounges via spiral staircase. The 27-story, David Rockwell-designed high-rise will offer 203 guest rooms.
  • Located in the historic Crown Building on 5th Avenue, the first home of Museum of Modern Art, Aman New York will be a luxurious sanctuary that celebrates the building’s striking architecture and significant history. Slated to open later this autumn, the hotel will offer restaurants, a Garden Terrace & Bar, a private members club, the three-floor Aman Spa, and a Jazz Club and Wine Room.

In Times Square, diners can explore a menu curated by a Michelin-Star Chef, enjoy cuisine from around the world, or have a post-show libation:

  • Inspired by taquerias in Mexico City, Amor Loco serves an array of Mexican cuisines with a backdrop of hand-painted murals and a pop of pink, complementing the industrial metal accents.
  • Known for offering unlimited portions of three daily pasta selections, Becco is located on Restaurant Row, a street filled with some of the City’s best restaurants just steps from Broadway’s theatres.
  • Le Bernardin, the French fine-dining establishment known for its exquisite, fresh seafood has reopened. Patrons can once again enjoy the culinary creations of decorated New York chef Eric Ripert, paired with French wine curated by Wine Director Aldo Sohm, who is considered one of Manhattan’s top sommeliers.
  • Artisanal patisserie Marvelous by Fred offers a selection of meringues, brioches, croissants, and waffles that is determined daily to ensure quality and craftsmanship.
  • Led by John Fraser, who is recognised as one of the world’s leading vegetable chefs, IRIS invites patrons to explore a menu of Mediterranean cuisine that was inspired by Chef Fraser’s Greek heritage and a deep admiration for Turkish cuisine.

In addition to Broadway and dining, Times Square offers world-class museums, immersive experiences, tours, art museums and comedy performances. Included below are attractions that are now open:

  • Visitors can hop on and off Big Bus Tours New York at over 35 stops across New York City, enabling them to explore the City’s landmarks and attractions at their desired pace.
  • Big Onion’s Reclaiming Times Square: From the Deuce to Disney walking tour will take visitors on a journey through the history of legendary theatres, grand hotels, and lavish movie palaces and will show how even in the midst of massive redevelopment, traces of “old” Times Square remain hidden in plain sight.
  • Outdoor film screenings at Bryant Park will return this autumn on Monday and Tuesday evenings. Upcoming screenings include The Phantom of the Opera on 27 September and Mrs. Doubtfire on 28 September.
  • Live performances will return to the world-renowned Carnegie Hall on 6 October at the Opening Night Gala when the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin, opens the season with a performance that includes Shostakovich’s rousing Piano Concerto No. 2—featuring superstar pianist Yuja Wang—and Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5.
  • Carolines on Broadway presents the very best live comedy entertainment seven nights a week and features top headlining comedians in addition to emerging talent, live podcasts, and improv and sketch comedy.
  • The largest Krispy Kreme store in the world, the Times Square Flagship location is now open. Doughnut patrons can watch the doughnut creation process, browse themed merchandise, and stop by the street-side pickup window that is open 24/7, for hot and fresh original glazed donuts.
  • The world-famous Madame Tussauds New York offers five floors of wax recreations of celebrities, politicians, and characters. Guests can now view the new Marvel Universe 4D film, which will bring audience members to an action-packed battle alongside favorite Marvel superheroes. Fans can also visit Marvel’s Hall of Heroes, which now features the king of Wakanda, the Black Panther.
  • The Museum of Modern Art will present a brand-new exhibition, Reuse, Renew, Recycle: Recent Architecture from China from 18 September to 4 July, 2022, which highlights the commitment to social and environmental sustainability made by a new generation of independent Chinese architects. The exhibition presents eight projects that explore an array of bold interventions, serving as a blueprint for more resource-conscious and socially oriented architectural practices around the world.
  • Pamela Council’s A Fountain for Survivors, an 18-foot-tall public art installation featuring over 365,000 acrylic fingernails and housing a tiered water fountain, will open in Times Square this October. The installation will invite visitors to encounter a range of sensory experiences and reflect on their journey to survival and emerging from isolation as the City reopens.
  • Experience the magic of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Times Square which houses over 500 artifacts, eclectic artworks, and mind-bending displays for guests of all ages to enjoy.
  • Explore the world of secrets and discover your inner superhero at the Spyscape HQ located in Times Square. Visitors can partake in immersive spy challenges designed by a former Head of Training at British Intelligence, explore Spyscape’s museum of secrets which features gadgets used by real spies, get a behind-the-scenes look at the movie-making magic of the James Bond films and more.

Recently, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced full details of the Key to NYC which is now in full effect. New Yorkers and visitors age 12 and older are required to show proof of vaccination to participate in indoor activities at New York City restaurants and bars, fitness gyms, and entertainment and recreational settings including music or concert venues, museums and galleries, professional sports arenas and indoor stadiums, performing arts theatres, and other indoor recreational activities.

Eligible proof of vaccination includes the NYC COVID Safe App, the New York State Excelsior App, a photo or hard copy of a CDC vaccination card, official vaccine record, or a photo or hard copy of an official vaccination record of a vaccine administered outside the United States for one of the following vaccines: AstraZeneca/SK Bioscience, Serum Institute of India/COVISHIELD and Vaxzevria, Sinopharm or Sinovac.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also now recommends that all individuals in areas of high or substantial transmission wear masks indoors.

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