Months after the reopening of Broadway, the pandemic still found ways to affect the already-stricken institution - now thru the cancellation of shows.
But Thoughts of A Colored Man Playwright Keenan Scott II didn't let that happen to his company.
The Broadway show almost had to be canceled on December 21 because of new COVID-19 cases that spread to a lot of Broadway companies.
Three of the seven cast members were absent, one of whom had tested positive of COVID-19.
Only two rehearsed understudies were on hand for the show. The company was so determined that the show would go on that playwright Keenan Scott II took the lead in his own play.
Scott told producer Brian Moreland about the change less than 15 minutes before the show was set to start.
Soon after, Scott joined the cast with the script in hand. He was going to play "Wisdom," and he did so right away.
It looks like he will be in the play through at least the holiday weekend.
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"It was a thrilling night for a Broadway audience to experience our play," Moreland said in a statement. ", Moreland said.
Keenan is a "bold new voice" according to the producer as he also "exhibited the power and resilience of everyone" in the Broadway community.
Dyllón Burnside, Bryan Terrell Clark, Da'Vinchi, Luke James, Forrest McClendon, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Esau Prittchard stars in the diversity-oriented play.
Keenan and two understudies completed the seven-person cast as the manpower shortage took a limb off the production.
12 other productions were cancelled because someone in their company contracted the COVID-19 virus and due to abundance of caution.
Productions that are put on hold
The Minskoff Theatre has canceled all "The Lion King" noon and evening performances from December 21 to 26 due to breakthrough of the virus within the company.
Meanwhile, Lin Manuel Miranda's masterpiece "Hamilton" was also put on hold for the week beginning December 20 though December 26 due, as verified on Twitter.
Slated for a December 27 return, the production of "Dear Evan Hansen" also shuttered its doors from December 20 through December 26.
The Manhattan Theatre Club announced on Twitter that some cast members of "The Skeleton Crew" tested positive for COVID-19, causing the show's preview performances to be postponed.
From December 21 to 27, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" performances were canceled. "Regular testing is in place to assist us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all," the show tweeted.
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