WTOP (DC) (01/07/22) Fraley, Jason

WTOP columnist Jason Fraley writes that surging COVID-19 cases due to the delta and omicron variants are threatening a sudden course correction for the entertainment industry, especially with the incoming awards season. The Recording Academy explained its decision to postpone the Grammys by noting, "The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience, and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority." Meanwhile, close to a third of Broadway productions have closed amid the omicron wave, and Washington, D.C., stages are also canceling shows. Virginia's Signature Theatre canceled its Dec. 21-29 performances of "Rent," while Maryland's Round House Theatre scrapped its Jan. 5-12 performances of "Nine Night," although it plans to honor all remaining dates. Fraley concludes that the possibility of further closures or delays of awards shows and productions will be determined by whether the omicron wave ends, or whether a new variant emerges. "The truth is: we simply don't know," he writes.

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