Broadway Musical ‘Aladdin’ To Be Canceled Again After Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases

An unprecedented spike in COVID-19 cases has played a bummer to the reopening show of the much-awaited Broadway musical, “Aladdin” Wednesday, precisely a year after the pandemic-induced lockdowns.

According to the New York Post, the makers of the show had to postpone the performances to a later date—approximately two weeks from what was originally decided upon, after additional cases were detected Friday as part of the production's daily testing.

A statement was released confirming ongoing speculations about the canceled performances. It reads, “Although negative PCR testing allowed us to move safely forward with last night’s performance of Aladdin at The New Amsterdam Theatre, additional breakthrough COVID-19 cases were detected within the company today.”

The makers of the show reiterated how the wellness and safety of the crew remain “top priority” amid the global health crisis. This isn’t the first instance of musicals being pushed to a later date in October, starting from the 1st through Sunday, Oct. 10. All tickets for the canceled shows qualify for a complete refund at the original point of purchase. The management expressed sincere regret for the unexpected turn of events and trusted that the audiences would co-operate with the unforeseen changes.

Media outlets have indicated that the next gig is slated to happen on Tuesday, Oct.12. “Aladdin”—the makers of the Broadway classic have clearly not been on a lucky streak ever since it opened doors Tuesday, since the past two years. Credible reports have cited that the production was compelled to bring operations to a halt after a handful of crew members tested positive for the virus, despite the strict adherence to the COVID-19 health guidelines.

A similar fate followed shortly before the reopening of “The Great White Way” show, a Disney Theatrical Production, which hit the floors on Sept. 14. This marked the musical’s first live performance since the mandated lockdowns that ensued across the globe in March 2020.

Currently, Broadway has laid out a rule, which makes vaccination a mandate for performers, backstage crew, and off-stage employees across all its theaters, PEOPLE reported. The rule applies to the audiences as well, who are permitted an entry only by showing proof of vaccination during performances. On Friday, the Broadway League made a mention of extending existing COVID protocols and requirements up until the end of the year.