It was a big Saturday night for music fans, and an even bigger night for Broadway, as it looks to reopen following the coronavirus pandemic.

For more than 15 months, Broadway was dark. But now, “Springsteen on Broadway” is bringing Broadway back.

"Springsteen on Broadway" was the first full capacity performance in a Broadway theater since the pandemic shut down in March of last year.

"It means that New York is back,” says audience member Jacob Persily. “This was one last major institution in New York City that hasn't restarted yet."

Fans of Springsteen, known for arena and stadium concerts, were eager to see him in the more intimate St. James Theatre that seats just over 1,7000 audience members.

“It just touches you,” says Scott Donadio. “After so many years of liking his music and you read books, but now you get to hear him actually talk."

"Springsteen on Broadway " is an autobiographical part-song, part-spoken word performance through the stories of Springsteen's life. He first performed it in 2017.

Audience members need proof of vaccination to attend any of the 30 scheduled performances, a policy that sparked a protest outside the theater by a group against any requirement the public be vaccinated.

Proceeds from the first show benefit a number of charities, including those fighting hunger and supporting actors who have struggled during the Broadway shutdown.

“Springsteen on Broadway" is scheduled to run through Sept. 4. The next Broadway show to open isn't expected to begin performances until August.