Rediscovering Sanctuary City
On March 11, 2020, Sanctuary City unknowingly played its final performance to audiences. The next day Broadway theatres (and NYTW) announced a shutdown in response to the rising transmission rates of the coronavirus in NYC. Sanctuary City was in previews for only a week before the closure, which was originally planned for 30 days, but extended nearly 18 months. Over that period, the set and lights remained intact at the Lucille Lortel Theater and the company stayed in contact, eager to return to the play. On September 8, 2020, the cast and crew performed the play for the first time to a live audience since the closure.
September 20, 2021 by Aaron Malkin, NYTW Literary Director and Dramaturg