The Majestic Theatre Attempted to Deny my Service Dog and I Entry to Phantom of the Opera
I came to New York to see Phantom of the Opera. I could not have done so without my dog, Tarot. I have a severe anxiety disorder. Tarot keeps me from having or calming down from panic attacks that are so severe I stop functioning for days, if not weeks. Tarot has made a world of difference in my life. I've been able to go back to experiencing the world, try new things, and even do stuff like going to a movie alone. Before Tarot, I hadn't been able to do that in roughly 5 years. I do not function at all in public without her. Especially in crowded, bright, and loud spaces. Like Times Square.
I found out Phantom of the Opera was closing it's Broadway run earlier this year. I decided to go to New York, with the sole intention of seeing Phantom at the Majestic before it goes.
Except...when we got there Majestic's security pulled us aside. After a short wait, a manager came out. He asked me what the dog was for. I explained that she uses pressure therapy to prevent and stop panic attacks.
He proceeds to tell me the Justice Department has new rules (which I can't find) outlining differences between medical alert dogs, and service animals. He implied that the theatre only allows medical alert dogs, but he 'generously' was going to let us in anyway 'this time' because he didn't want 'to ruin our night.'
Now, I know the ADA policy on service animals. He. Cannot. Do. This. It. Is. ILLEGAL. Anywhere the public is allowed or invited in, a service dog is allowed. That includes theatres on Broadway.
The Majestic tried to keep me from seeing a show I've always dreamed about seeing on Broadway, the reason I came to NYC, because I need my dog to function.