Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Legal Issues In Reopening Broadway

By Mathew Windman
November 01, 2021

This is a time of both celebration and uncertainty for the New York theater industry, which is in the process of reopening following its shutdown dating back to March 12, 2020.

In July 2020, I wrote an article regarding the legal issues for the theater industry posed by COVID-19. See, "How COVID-19 Has Impacted Broadway Productions," Entertainment Law & Finance, July 2020, p.1. I also gave CLE presentations for the NYS Academy of Trial Lawyers, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, and my law firm colleagues at Herzfeld & Rubin. With the reopening of Broadway now in full swing, this is an ideal opportunity to further delve into the topic and address new developments.

The shutdown of theater in New York was the direct result of executive orders issued by former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo pursuant to emergency powers granted by the New York State Legislature. On March 12, 2020, five days after declaring a State of Emergency under Executive Order 202, Gov. Cuomo forbid public gatherings of 500 or more people. Not coincidentally, Broadway theaters have 500 or more seats. When the shutdown began, 31 shows were running on Broadway and 16 shows were scheduled to open in the coming weeks. Six, a new musical, which reimagines the six wives of King Henry VIII as contemporary pop stars, was scheduled to open on the night of March 12, 2020. (It's opening night was finally held on Oct. 3, 2021.)

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
Strategy vs. Tactics: Two Sides of a Difficult Coin Image

With each successive large-scale cyber attack, it is slowly becoming clear that ransomware attacks are targeting the critical infrastructure of the most powerful country on the planet. Understanding the strategy, and tactics of our opponents, as well as the strategy and the tactics we implement as a response are vital to victory.

'Huguenot LLC v. Megalith Capital Group Fund I, L.P.': A Tutorial On Contract Liability for Real Estate Purchasers Image

In June 2024, the First Department decided Huguenot LLC v. Megalith Capital Group Fund I, L.P., which resolved a question of liability for a group of condominium apartment buyers and in so doing, touched on a wide range of issues about how contracts can obligate purchasers of real property.

The Article 8 Opt In Image

The Article 8 opt-in election adds an additional layer of complexity to the already labyrinthine rules governing perfection of security interests under the UCC. A lender that is unaware of the nuances created by the opt in (may find its security interest vulnerable to being primed by another party that has taken steps to perfect in a superior manner under the circumstances.

Fresh Filings Image

Notable recent court filings in entertainment law.

Major Differences In UK, U.S. Copyright Laws Image

This article highlights how copyright law in the United Kingdom differs from U.S. copyright law, and points out differences that may be crucial to entertainment and media businesses familiar with U.S law that are interested in operating in the United Kingdom or under UK law. The article also briefly addresses contrasts in UK and U.S. trademark law.