Broadway is closed until at least June 7 — the longest shutdown in Broadway’s history, according to the Deseret News. But theatergoers haven’t been left completely in the dark amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Thanks to a YouTube channel called “The Shows Must Go On,” fans can watch an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical every Friday at 12 p.m. MT for free.
On the agenda for this Friday is Broadway’s longest-running show — “The Phantom of the Opera.”
The YouTube channel will stream a special production of the musical that was produced from London’s Royal Albert Hall, according to Playbill. Starring Sierra Boggess and Ramin Karimloo, the performance from 2011 celebrates the musical’s 25th anniversary and will be available to stream for 48 hours.
“The Shows Must Go On” has already aired “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” starring Donny Osmond, and a 2012 arena production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” according to the Deseret News.
The streams help support a number of organizations during the pandemic, encouraging viewers to donate to Acting for Others, Broadway Cares, Actors Benevolent Fund and more, according to Playbill.
In self-isolation, Webber, who is working on his upcoming musical “Cinderella,” has managed to stay connected to fans through social media, the Deseret News previously reported. Using the hashtags #HomeIsWhereTheMusicIs and #TogetherAtHome, Webber has regularly performed songs from his musicals on his piano at home, and even invited fans to share their own videos singing along to the songs.