In light of sweeping new regulations that will ban gatherings of more than 500 people in New York, Broadway theaters and other large venues will be required to close their doors to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced at a press conference on Thursday large gatherings will be restricted. For venues that hold less than 500 people, capacity will still be cut in half. Schools, hospitals and mass transit will remain open.
The restrictions begin on Friday 5pm ET. However, specific closures for Broadway shows are mandated to begin at tonight at 5pm. The trade organization Broadway League says all performances will be suspended until April 12.
Broadway earned $1.8 billion in revenue during its 2018-2019 season. There are currently 31 musicals and plays running, per Variety. This is the first time Broadway has gone dark since a stagehand strike in 2007 when theaters were closed for 19 days.
The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic and Carnegie Hall have also canceled all events until March 31. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Frick Collection are also closing their locations beginning Friday.
