The Newest Cleanse of Times Square and How It Affects Broadway

     Hey theater folk!! Hope you guys are ready for spring and summer on Broadway because it looks like it just may finally be here for good. Speaking of, I had an interesting thought recently. As many of you know, I work in Times Square promoting various Broadway shows. As a self proclaimed "flyering veteran," I have had many experiences, both good and bad, that have left me with a certain perspective of the area that I work with. I must admit that yesterday I finally realized that I have a negative perspective of my surroundings. The reason is quite simple and, due to recent legislation, looks like its going to change in the not too distant future.
     When I often mention that I work in Times Square, I often get the response from people that they absolutely loathe walking through New York City's famed Crossroads of the World. When I've asked, it's usually due to the same reason. In years past, a haven for theater professionals and tourists alike have become a new home, people who dress as costumed characters and actively look for photo opportunities with tourists. Often times, after taking a photo with a tourists, these characters would ask, and at times demand, payment. This practice has gone on for a while, with instances of such encounters becoming negative rising to the point where the city has decided to take action. Similar to the clean up of Times Square in the late 1980s/early 1990s, where businesses of an adult nature were relocated far from that family demographic that provide the lifeblood for so many Broadway shows, the Times Square Alliance, in a partnership with city councilmen, have enacted a law that shall be going in effect in the coming months. Under the bill, those looking to make a profit in Times Square shall be regulated to specific zones, allowing tourists to roam in the heart of the theater district unperturbed.
       This leads us to the big question with implications on Broadway shows, what about those, such as your truly, that are not seeking profit, but simply seeking to assist the average theatergoer, whether it be tourist or New Yorker? To evaluate this question, let us look at those that this new law. It is meant to target those who are openly seeking money. Broadway promoters aren't seeking that. What we merely seek is to assist theatergoers with information that they can then utilize should they choose. Taking a simple flyer from us does not mean you're going to spend that money. We are not asking for your money right then and there. What we merely seek is to provide one with information that, should one choose to purchase, then go to an authorized place (whether it be in person at the theater, online, or via telephone) and make a purchase. Thankfully, it has come to my knowledge that the Times Square Alliance, who shall be regulating this law when enacted, is cooperating with companies such as the one that I am employed by, to ensure that come summer, those such as myself looking to help are allowed to go about the Times Square area with no worries.
    In short, dear readers, Broadway shall always be subject to change, mostly through laws whether it be city, state, or federal. However, these laws shall, presumably, be those looking to help the theatergoer and all involved in this lovely business of show. So, when visiting this summer, leave your hassles to their respective zones and get some help from those solely to help serve you. Until the next time, this is Mike signing off, ghost light lighting on.