DON’T RAIN ON OUR SHOPPING PARADE! Today marks a really key day for the Theater community…… The 40th Annual edition of the Broadway Flea Market, in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. However, there have been reports regarding chaos helmed at it.

First things first, because of to the ongoing nor’easter storm, the Broadway Flea Market was moved indoors to the Hammerstein Ballroom on 34th Street, instead of the usual outdoor event helmed in the Theater District between 44th and 45th Street. Despite keeping the show going on, the Hammerstein Ballroom had strict restrictions regarding the capacity of people allowed inside. This lead to mayhem consisted of extreme overcrowding, multi-hour lines (estimate two-four hour waits), and safety concerns, which angered many Broadway fans, many especially who come annually as a tradition.

With the long waits, this prevented many attendees as well to be able to go visit the many booths to get old playbills, autographed playbills and posters, recycled set, prop, and costume pieces, getting the chance to meet their favorite performers at the CELEBRITY TABLE, and more. According to reactions from fans via Reddit and social media, there were also reports of people fighting, pushing, and shoving others to get through.

In addition, Hammerstein Ballroom venue security was really strict of having people bring outdoor drinks inside, including water. Some reported several attendees also fainted in the claustrophobic crowds.

Theater fans also took to social media to express of how dysfunctionally unorganized this year’s Flea was, with request to reschedule or even add a second Flea later in the year.

We have some pics of a bit of the chaos today.

How insane is this?!

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