Broadway Cancels Evening Performances Amid Blizzard Warnings

Broadway has canceled most evening performances scheduled for February 22, 2026, due to an impending blizzard expected to impact New York City significantly. The Broadway League announced the decision just before 11 a.m. ET, citing anticipated travel disruptions and evening travel bans in surrounding areas. The League stated, “Due to anticipated travel impacts from the impending blizzard and evening travel bans already announced for our surrounding areas, Broadway theatre owners and producers have come to the consensus that evening performances (curtain times at 6 p.m. or later) tonight will be canceled.”

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While matinee performances with curtain times of 3 p.m. or earlier will proceed as planned, productions such as “Wicked,” “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and the revivals of “Chess” and “Ragtime” will not hold their evening shows. Initially, the musical “Operation Mincemeat” planned to continue with its 7:30 p.m. performance, marking the final show for its original cast, but it later canceled as well.

Variety Magazine

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning for New York City and surrounding areas, predicting snowfall amounts between 16 and 24 inches, with rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour. Wind gusts are expected to reach 50 to 60 mph, creating hazardous conditions, including whiteout visibility and potential power outages. The storm is anticipated to be one of the most significant snowfalls in over a decade, with comparisons made to a "bomb cyclone" or winter hurricane.

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New York State Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in New York City and surrounding areas in response to the storm. The Broadway League's decision to cancel performances reflects a shift from previous storms, where individual shows continued despite severe weather, leading to safety concerns for cast and crew members commuting in hazardous conditions.

Hollywood Reporter

The decision to cancel evening performances has drawn attention due to its rarity, as it can result in substantial financial losses for productions. The Broadway community had previously expressed frustration over the lack of industry-wide cancellations during past storms, which left many to navigate dangerous travel conditions. Critics argue that the current decision, while prioritizing safety, underscores the challenges faced by the industry during extreme weather events.

Hollywood Reporter

As the storm progresses, Broadway will monitor conditions closely. The cancellation of evening performances marks a significant response to weather-related challenges, and the industry will likely evaluate its protocols for future storms. The Broadway League has advised patrons to contact their point of purchase for information regarding ticket exchanges or refunds.

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• “Due to anticipated travel impacts from the impending blizzard and evening travel bans already announced for our surrounding areas, Broadway theatre owners and producers have come to the consensus that evening performances (curtain times at 6pm or later) tonight (Sunday, February 22) will be canceled.” — Broadway League

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• “Weather forecasters are warning that conditions are such that the storm could resemble a winter hurricane.” — Weather Forecasters

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