My Return to Broadway…

As you can imagine, it’s been quite some time since I’ve stepped foot into a theater. Even longer since I found myself attending a show in New York. Last Friday, I finally did both when I attended Springsteen on Broadway which marked my return to Broadway.

Even though I’ve been to the Hollywood Bowl for a handful of shows this summer and the Santa Fe Opera, I wasn’t sure how prepared I’d be for the new ritual of showing my ID, my proof of vaccination and watching a Broadway show with a mask on. Would others be inclined to follow the rules? Would two-and-a-half hours with a mask on watching a show stifle my enjoyment of it?

Before answering those questions, I should state that I’ve seen Bruce Springsteen over 75 times in my life. In addition to countless concerts since The River tour, I had previously seen Springsteen on Broadway two times. I was predisposed to liking the show and hoped that my mask wouldn’t get in the way of being able to shout Bruuuuuuuce.

The process of getting in was actually easier than it’s been for many a show – whether in New York or elsewhere – without the extra precautions. A quick show of my vaccination card and my ID and off I went to security. An easy walk through the metal detector followed and then I showed my digital ticket and walked into the theater.

The lobby was the most challenging component of it all. As with many New York theaters, the lobby isn’t large enough to satisfy all those who wanted a drink or two to enjoy during the show and all those who wanted to buy some merchandise to take home.

Luckily enough for me I discovered there was a beer and wine stand placed for easy access by those in line for merchandise. I partook of both the drinks and the merchandise.

I didn’t see anyone trying to get by without a mask. To a person everyone, including Bruce Springsteen as he walked on the stage, was wearing a mask. As a result, I never felt uncomfortable nor did I feel at risk. Once the show started I never thought once about COVID.

The show, which I believe has more changes in it than was previously reported, was exceptional. (I know…I’m biased.) There seemed to be more melancholy, more emotion, more spontaneity and more hope for better days all mixed into Springsteen’s stories and this slightly revised selection of songs. Often when you see the same show several times you see the same show several times. This was not the case on Friday night. (For die-hard Springsteen fans, I did not miss Born to Run.)

I’m grateful Springsteen on Broadway marked my return to Broadway. I can’t wait to go to more shows. And I will. I hope you will, too.

Springsteen on Broadway continues through September 4th. For tickets please go here.

Photo: Bruce Springsteen in Springsteen on Broadway (Photo by Rob DeMartin)