On the morning of March 12, TV star Debra Messing was getting ready to return to the stage in the new play “Birthday Candles” when the world changed forever.  

"It was really a stunning day because it was our press day and it was the first time that we, as a cast got gussied up. It made it feel so imminent and so real. And literally, literally while we were there on the red carpet, and we had just finished talking to everyone, the news broke. Broadway is shutting down," remembered Messing.

What You Need To Know

  • March 12, 2020 was the day the lights went out on Broadway

  • Frank DiLella checks in with interview subjects from before the shut down

  • Including Debra Messing, Broadway Inspirational Voices Founder Michael McElroy, and Broadway usher Damani Brissett to see how their last year has been

In the days leading up to last year's shutdown, Broadway Inspirational Voices founder Michael McElroy was getting ready to celebrate with his choir at their annual gala, one of the last major community events before theaters went dark.  

McElroy sees this unexpected pause as an opportunity for a major reset for the theater industry, and our world.

"When we do come back live, because live theater will come back, it is a, it's an essential part of the world and the society in which we live, how do we come back? Let's make steps so that when we come back, it's a more inclusive, diverse space," said McElroy.

For the nearly 100,00 people who work on Broadway, their livelihood was taken from them overnight. That includes Damani Brissett, who was working as a part-time Usher at “Hamilton,” while attending college full-time. But like McElroy, he feels reflective and even activated by the shutdown.

"We need more Queer, BIPOC representation. And those players needs to come to the table. They need to be invited to the table. Because Broadway is a cultural tempo center. It's a world tempo center," said Brissett.

While there is no official date yet for Broadway to re-open, every day seems to shine a little more light at the end of a very long and dark tunnel.

"I mean, Broadway has to be back cause we're New Yorkers. You know what I'm saying? Like New York is a fortitude, New York is pure resilience. Have no fear. We will always come back better than ever," said Brissett.

"We will rebuild. Nothing will keep New York down, nothing will shut New York down forever," said Messing.