The long-running off-Broadway hit “NEWSical the Musical” made history as the first professional New York City show to return to a major stage with a one-night-only, socially distanced performance at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on Sept. 26. The performance was professionally recorded and is now available on demand through Nov. 9.
Tickets are available here for $7.99, with proceeds benefiting the Actors Fund and the Lied Center.
With the election just around the corner, the award-winning musical comedy tackled news stories ranging from the lowest depths of reality television to the highest office in the land, from “Tiger King” to COVID-19.
The Lied Center has taken numerous precautions to make sure “NEWSical” and other events are a safe experience amid the pandemic. The auditorium capacity is currently reduced from 2,259 to about 600 to allow for proper social distancing. Face masks must be worn at all times inside the building. The venue has also upgraded its air filtration system and increased fresh air intake into the building; implemented “touchless” ticketing; and is disinfecting seats between performances. The Lied Center was the first major university performing arts center in the nation to reopen, with programs resuming in July.
The Actors Fund is a national organization that provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. Through offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, the fund serves those in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance with programs such as social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and secondary employment and training services. Since March 18, the fund has provided over $16 million in emergency financial assistance to over 13,000 people.
