This archive report was first published on 14 July 2019.
On Saturday night, a sudden power outage plunged parts of Manhattan's West Side into darkness, affecting Broadway shows, movie theaters, Carnegie Hall, and other venues.
The blackout, which occurred about an hour before curtain time, forced the cancellation of 26 out of 30 Broadway shows, including some of the biggest grossers like 'Hamilton,' 'Wicked,' and 'The Lion King.'
However, some cast members took the opportunity to entertain the disappointed crowds with impromptu performances on the sidewalks.
At 'Hadestown,' the Tony-winning actor André De Shields (who plays Hermes) accompanied by a horn player, serenaded the crowd with a blackout-themed riff on 'Road to Hell,' the show's opening number.
Similarly, the cast and band of 'Come From Away' performed a rendition of that show's boisterous opener, 'Welcome to the Rock,' while the cast of 'Waitress' sang for fans waiting to see if their performance would be canceled.
Even some Carnegie Hall performers entertained blackout crowds, and the cast of 'Rock of Ages' sang for patrons outside New World Stages.
According to Martine Sainvil, a spokeswoman for the Broadway League, ticketholders should contact their point of purchase for information about refunds and exchanges.
