The theater world has been one of the hardest-hit industries during the COVID-19 pandemic — Broadway remains shut down until at least January 2021. But “Phantom of the Opera” composer Andrew Lloyd Webber wants the show to go on.
On Thursday, Webber took an experimental coronavirus vaccine.
“Just completed the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine trial,” Webber wrote on Twitter Thursday. “I’ll do anything to get theatres large and small open again and actors and musicians back to work.”
Webber first announced he had volunteered to take part in the trial on Wednesday, writing on Twitter that he would “do anything” to prove that theaters can reopen safely, CNN reported.
Researchers from Oxford University and the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca developed the vaccine, which entered its final phase of trials in July, according to Forbes.
Results from the early trials show that the vaccine produces immune responses, like COVID-19 antibodies, although there were minor side effects, including pain, chills and headaches, Forbes reported.
Webber’s part in this trial comes a few weeks after his longtime producer Cameron Mackintosh confirmed that London’s West End production of “Phantom of the Opera” would close after 34 years due to a “huge financial hit” from coronavirus-related shutdowns, according to People magazine.
Webber has since vowed to bring the production back, writing on Twitter: “As far as I’m concerned Phantom will reopen as soon as is possible.”
The composer turned 72 in March, and has actively been documenting his self-isolation on social media, posting several videos of him playing the piano and interacting with fans.
In April, Webber also launched The Shows Must Go On – a YouTube channel that streamed his classic musicals and other productions for free every Friday, the Deseret News reported. Donations from the streams went toward a number of organizations, including the Actors Fund, Acting for Others and Broadway Cares.