When the Curtains Fell: Broadway’s Unseen Side with Matt Petosa

The year 2020 was one of profound change, and few industries felt its weight like the theater world. For Broadway, a bustling hub of creativity, passion, and history in the heart of New York City, this change was unprecedented. The stage lights dimmed, curtains closed, and for nearly two years, Broadway was silenced. Matt Petosa, author and photographer, captured this historic moment in his evocative book, Broadway 2020: The Ghost Light Year. His work offers a rare and haunting look at an empty Broadway, showcasing the theaters’ hidden beauty and resilience in one of the darkest times in theater history.

In this episode of Talking Books, hosted by JT Crowley, Matt delves into his journey of capturing Broadway during its longest shutdown. As he shares stories and photographs from his collection, we gain a unique glimpse into the silent side of Broadway—a side many of us will never see in person.

Broadway’s Longest Curtain Call

March 13th, 2020, was a date that would change the Broadway landscape. With the world caught in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was made to close Broadway’s theaters, marking the longest shutdown in its history. Theaters, once filled with the echo of applause, dramatic monologues, and lively music, were suddenly dark and deserted.

For Matt Petosa, a man who worked as a stage doorman at the Winter Garden Theatre, this moment was surreal. He had always been part of Broadway’s daily rhythm, greeting performers and patrons alike with a warm smile. But as the doors closed, Petosa saw an opportunity to document the profound silence of these empty halls. With his camera in hand, he gained access to Broadway’s hallowed grounds, capturing the theaters like they’d never been seen before.

The Tradition of the Ghost Light

One constant through the empty theaters was the ghost light—a simple, solitary light bulb on a stand left burning onstage when the theater is closed. Traditionally, this light serves two purposes: it allows any staff who enter a dark theater to see, and it keeps away “spirits” that may haunt the space. For Broadway, ghost lights were symbolic beacons, illuminating stages that once hosted countless performances.

In The Ghost Light Year, Matt’s photographs showcase these ghost lights as they stand against an otherwise empty backdrop, casting an eerie yet hopeful glow. The title itself, Broadway 2020: The Ghost Light Year, encapsulates this paradox of light and darkness, tradition and stillness. The ghost lights represented the enduring spirit of Broadway, reminding everyone that “the show must go on”—even if it meant waiting in darkness.

Capturing a Silent Broadway

One of the most striking elements of Petosa’s work is his ability to capture the essence of each theater without the actors, the lights, or the audience. These buildings, known for their vibrancy, seem hauntingly still in his photos. Iconic spaces like the Shubert Theatre, Winter Garden, and Lyceum Theatre—usually bustling with energy—are shown devoid of people but filled with history and emotion. In Petosa’s images, the empty seats, grand balconies, and richly adorned walls of these theaters take on a life of their own.

The ghostly quiet of Times Square, often packed with people day and night, is another poignant image. Petosa captures the square in broad daylight, eerily devoid of tourists, flashing lights, and street performers. In the silence, one can almost feel the memories and echoes of a Broadway that once was, a place that millions had visited to escape into the magic of live theater.

An Artist’s Perspective

Behind each photo lies Petosa’s unique ability to see beyond the physical emptiness of the theaters. Having worked at the Winter Garden Theatre, he understood the soul of Broadway and its community. “Matt has the ability to recognize the soul of a person, of a place, of a community and the meaning of every moment,” JT Crowley notes in the interview. His photographs reflect more than empty rooms; they capture the endurance of the theater community, the spirit of the performers, and the resilience of everyone connected to the Broadway experience.

In one particularly evocative photo, Petosa captures the Tiffany-lit ceiling of the Basco Theatre. Its intricate designs and colors shine even without the usual theater lights. In another, the lone ghost light on the stage at the Majestic Theatre glows against rows of empty seats, embodying the paradox of beauty in solitude. Matt’s photographs tell stories without words, honoring both the grandeur and the quietude of these spaces.

The Great White Way’s Silent History

The impact of Broadway’s shutdown was not only emotional but also financial. Nearly 100,000 individuals, from actors to stagehands, ticket sellers to ushers, were affected. This was the first time in history that Broadway closed for such an extended period. In contrast, the theaters had stayed open during the Spanish Flu of 1918, both World Wars, and had only briefly paused for a two-day closure after the September 11th attacks. Broadway, an industry deeply interwoven with New York’s identity, had never experienced a shutdown of this magnitude.

As JT Crowley and Petosa discuss, the silence on Broadway streets was almost as deafening as the applause that once filled its theaters. The empty theaters and ghost lights, however, served as reminders of the resilience embedded in Broadway’s history. Even when the stages were dark, the heart of Broadway continued to beat, awaiting the day it could bring joy and inspiration to audiences once again.

The Book: A Visual Memorial

In Broadway 2020: The Ghost Light Year, Petosa’s photography speaks to theater lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to New York’s unique character. More than just a visual account, this book is a tribute to Broadway and its survival in the face of adversity. The title pays homage to the ghost lights as symbols of continuity and endurance, illuminating a path forward even in the darkest moments.

Petosa’s photos document a specific period in history, but they also reveal timeless truths about the theater community. Broadway isn’t just a physical location—it’s a vibrant, ever-evolving part of New York City. The buildings themselves have memories; every wall, stage, and seat has witnessed countless stories, both onstage and off. Through his work, Petosa captures the weight of these memories, emphasizing the connection between Broadway’s past and its hopeful future.

Why This Story Matters

In a world where live theater was put on pause, Petosa’s book serves as a reminder of the power and importance of the arts. The Ghost Light Year doesn’t just highlight the emptiness of Broadway; it showcases the spirit of resilience in the theater industry. Theaters worldwide faced similar challenges, but Broadway’s influence is unique. It’s a beacon for the arts, a symbol of human creativity and perseverance. Petosa’s book invites readers to reflect on this resilience and to consider the role of art in their own lives.

As JT Crowley puts it in his conversation with Petosa, “The show must go on”—a phrase that has taken on new meaning since Broadway’s shutdown. Even in the face of unimaginable obstacles, the spirit of Broadway endured. The ghost lights, still burning in empty theaters, served as silent yet powerful reminders that theater would one day return, bringing people together once again.

A Return to the Stage

As theaters reopen and audiences return, Broadway 2020: The Ghost Light Year stands as a testament to an era that reshaped the theater industry and the lives of those within it. Petosa’s work isn’t just about photographs; it’s about capturing the resilience of a community, a city, and an art form that, even in its quietest moments, refuses to be forgotten.

For those looking to explore the beauty of Broadway beyond the stage, Matt Petosa’s The Ghost Light Year offers a profound and moving journey through an empty yet hopeful world. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, a lover of history, or someone interested in the silent stories of iconic places, this book provides a deeply resonant experience, reminding us all of the enduring magic that exists in the quietest of moments.