7. September 11
Photo by James and Karla Murray
Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Broadway shut down for two days as many New Yorkers feared for the future of the city. Although many shows reopened just two days later, a handful of shows were unable to reopen due to immediate financial losses and fear that businesses would continue to suffer for the next few weeks.
Following the attacks, the city bought 50,000 theater tickets for $2.5 million and the state invested over $1 million in Broadway’s promotional campaign. Mayor Giuliani wanted all theaters operating as soon as possible to serve as a symbol for New York’s strength amidst such a crisis. For the next few months after the Broadway shut down, the Twin Towers Fund and other New York organizations raised thousands of dollars to support Broadway as well as Off Broadway productions.