Shea’s Theater In Buffalo Talks About The Future
We're all anxious to return to some of the things we love to do in Buffalo and getting back to the theater is certainly one of them, but it could still be a few more months before shows make their way back to the stage at Shes's Buffalo.
Shea's President Michael Murphy spoke with 7 Eyewitness News (WKBW-TV) to discuss when the Buffalo theater may reopen.
"I think it will be sometime in the fall, when we find that health officials are able to give us the okay but also that the audiences are comfortable coming together," says Murphy. Theatergoers will likely have to wear masks and cleaning protocols will be in place to keep visitors, staff, and performers all safe."
The vaccination rate in Western New York will also play an important role in the decision to reopen.
As far as the future Shea's scheduled Murphy confirms the hit musical 'Hamilton' will be coming back. In fact, every show from the canceled season will still come to Buffalo but will be split between 2021 and 2022.
Capacity and economics are troubling issues when it comes to Shea's reopening. Murphy says shows require a nearly full house in order to pay for the production. Shea's would need to be at 85 to 90 percent capacity to satisfy that demand. Protocols now for arenas in New York, as an example are only allowed to operate at ten percent.
Shea's sent out a survey to past guests to learn about what would make the community feel comfortable enough to return. Murphy says the responses have been very positive, with the Buffalo and Western New York community eager to return to the theater.
I for one am anxiously awaiting the reopening of the crown jewel of the Buffalo theater district.
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