The Broadway show Hamilton is receiving $30 million in COVID-19 relief through the federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, and more could be on the way for the hip-hop production based on America’s founding fathers.
Since Hamilton opened in 2015, more than 2.6 million people have seen it on Broadway, and it has grossed $650 million. The show qualified for federal aid, the show’s lead producer Jeffrey Seller said, noting the expenditures several venue companies incurred after the pandemic shuttered live entertainment businesses.
“Hamilton has spent many millions of dollars during a time in which it was earning no income,” Seller said. “Our goal is for Hamilton to be in the same financial position it was in when we suspended operations on March 12, 2020.”
Hamilton was approved for $10 million each earlier in June for the Broadway production and two touring shows. Two other tours have yet to hear back about the possibility of $20 million more. The production has one venue house in London that does not qualify for aid.
ACTOR AND BROADWAY STAR CHARLES GRODIN DIES AT 86
There are five U.S.-based companies operating separately incorporated shows and tours for various Hamilton presentations across the country. The SVOG application, which provides pandemic relief for culture and live-event businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration, makes each company eligible to receive $10 million to help make up for lost revenue.
“Remember when Chrysler and GM were about to go bankrupt? In the same way that the federal government came in to bail out auto companies, it’s doing the same thing for all of show business with this legislation,” Seller said, aware that some people might ask why the production received millions in aid. “It’s returning us to health, and it’s protecting the well-being of our employees.”
The funds would be used to remount the closed productions and reimburse productions for pandemic-related expenses, Seller said. He underscored that no money would be doled out to show producers, investors, or artist royalties.
The SVOG provided grants to productions managed by NETWorks, including $10 million for Fiddler on the Roof, $9.8 million for Waitress, and $9 million for The Band’s Visit.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
The Washington Examiner contacted the SBA but did not immediately receive a response.
