New York City, often referred to as the Big Apple, has recently become a dangerous place for Broadway artists.
A series of violent attacks on musicians, occurring right outside theatre doors, has raised concerns about their safety.
According to the New York Post, a 66-year-old violinist associated with Disney's production of "The Lion King" was brutally assaulted on August 5, after she left the Minskoff Theater. The assailant pushed her to the ground, fracturing her wrist in ten places, an injury that almost ended her career.
The suspect, 34-year-old Michael Allen, was a repeat offender with a long criminal history. He had just been released from jail before the attack and had 15 prior arrests, including charges of assault, threatening a stranger with a baseball bat, and harassing a former partner. Allen was arrested and charged with felony assault for the attack on the violinist, but was released from police custody without bail.
Another violinist from "The Lion King" was attacked multiple times within the past year outside the theater. In one instance, a robber attempted to steal his musical instrument, and in another, he had to physically defend himself against an attacker.
Local 802, the union representing these musicians, issued a press release detailing the assaults. The union expressed concern about the increasing number of health and safety issues faced by Broadway musicians over the past year. It criticized producers for their reluctance to take preventive measures until it was too late.
On March 10, outside the New Amsterdam Theatre, a substitute drummer for "Aladdin" was struck in the head with a weapon resembling a tree limb by an unknown assailant. The musician, 62, described the attack as a "knock out game" kind of thing. Despite suffering "dents" in his skull, he continued to perform until he developed symptoms of a concussion a few days later. Since then, he has not performed in the area.
According to NYPD data, the number of felony assaults in the Midtown South Precinct, which includes the Minskoff and New Amsterdam theaters, has increased by 114 percent since the pandemic. As of December 10, there have been 456 such attacks, up from 213 for the entire year of 2019.
These assaults have sent shockwaves across the Broadway community, leaving artists worried about their safety. Deborah Assael-Migliore, a cellist who has performed on Broadway since the '80s, expressed her fear of coming into the Theater District. She noted the increase in "unhinged people" in the area and the police's inability to control the situation.
Another Broadway musician, considering buying self-defense tools, criticized the city's new progressive bail reform laws. He pointed out that the assailant who attacked the violinist had a long criminal record and was repeatedly released back onto the streets.
Local 802 President Sara Cutler called for increased security to ensure the safety of performers, musicians, and audience members. She emphasized the need for visible security to act as a deterrent. The union also urged its members to be aware of potential safety issues and to take proactive measures.
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