Broadway On Strike Information

MrE1111 · Guru

Broadway On Strike Information

Hello799 · Senior Member

Thanks for the info MrE..........WOW, what a blow to the Nederlander Organization. This situation is too bad.

Even though Equity has instructed their members to join the lines, I thought they were instructed NOT to cross the lines) You are right, sounds a little confusing. Hopefully this will be solved soon before it hurts the weaker shows. This would destroy them.
God bless to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MrE1111 · Guru

Most shows have contingency funds to last one or two weeks, but certainly the weaker shows will be forced to shutter onces the pot runs out.

Spelling Bee (which has a closing date set for 1/20), a show that's not doing very well anymore, is sure to see a boost, as it's the only one left playing. Ditto the other "little show," Xanadu.

The Drowsy Chaperone, a show which will be closing in late December/early January (to make way for Cry-Baby), will be forced to shut if the strike goes long, since it's not doing too well these days.

British imports The Seafarer and Rock n Roll, both of which aren't exactly struggling, but aren't doing "well," will most likely shut down if the strike goes long. If the strike goes, say, through the end of the year, Cyrano de Bergerac will have closed last night, since their run ends the day before Christmas.

shell8422 · Veteran Member

I was actually in New York City today and I didn't know that the stagehands were on strike until I saw them picketting outside of every theatre. WHat a shame. We were eating in Planet Holleywood and some poor girl was going to see Little Mermaid for her B-Day today. Hopefully it doesn't last long at all. This may be a stupid question, but I wonder if Max and Laura are at all a little relieved to have a tiny break from Grease? Maybe they can go home for a few days or something. But anyway, let's hope the shows come back really soon!!!!!!

shell8422 · Veteran Member

This is the Letter the Stagehands are handing out:

WE ARE LOCAL ONE,
THE STAGEHANDS WHO WORK
BEHIND THE SCENES FOR ALL THE
SHOWS ON BROADWAY

WE TRULY REGRET THAT THERE IS NO SHOW.

THEATRE OWNERS AND PRODUCERS ARE DEMANDING A 38% CUT IN OUR JOBS AND WAGES. THEY HAVE BUILT A $20 MILLION FUND TO BE USED AGAINST US FROM THE SALE OF THEATRE TICKETS TO THE PUBLIC.

BROADWAY IS A BILLION DOLLAR A YEAR INDUSTRY AND HAS NEVER BEEN MORE PROFITABLE THAN NOW.

CUTS IN OUR JOBS AND WAGES WILL NEVER RESULT IN A CUT IN TICKET PRICES TO BENEFIT THE PUBLIC, BUT ONLY AN INCREASE IN THE PROFITS FOR PRODUCERS.

UNLIKE THE PRODUCERS, WE ARE NOT FIGHTING FOR OUR SECOND OR THIRD HOMES; WE ARE FIGHTING TO KEEP THE ONE THAT WE HAVE.

WE ASK FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING IN OUR EFFORTS TO DEFEND OURSELVES AND PROTECT OUR FAMILIES.

SINCERELY,

THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF LOCAL ONE, I.A.T.S.E.

-- Edited by shell8422 at 22:33, 2007-11-10

MrE1111 · Guru

I had tickets for August Osage County and The Little Mermaid this weekend. I was hoping to at least see Mermaid after the events of the past week, but I guess that ain't happening.

Oh well.

karidaberixx · Senior Member

November 11
THE STRIKE IS STILL ON FOR THE AFTERNOON AND EVENING SHOWS
(broadway.com)

My friends and I were hoping to go to the city this Wednesday and do student rush for Avenue Q
I guess that might not happen now
Maybe we'll go to the Museum of Natural History instead

MrE1111 · Guru

See one of the other great shows still playing...Pygmalion is an incredible production, The Ritz is hilarious....

karidaberixx · Senior Member

November 12th
Monday is the day Broadway shows have off anyway...so we'll see if they can settle the strike today. Go Local One!!!! Boo producers who don't pay their stagehands enough...

Hello799 · Senior Member

Go producers, Shame on Local One for wanting to get paid for doing nothing but standing around.
However,
I would give them what they want at this point and time just to end this travesty. Its gotta be costing over $3 million a day due to the strike. Considering its my understanding that what they want is considered pennies and nickels.

gramps3 · Senior Member

karidaberixx wrote:

Boo producers who don't pay their stagehands enough...

Paying anything to workers who have nothing to do but featherbedding is too much.

Stan/gramps3

grannygreaser · Senior Member

Hello799 wrote:
its my understanding that what they want is considered pennies and nickels.

I think it must be more than that if the stagehands union is saying it would cut 35% of their workers. If the producers are having to pay that many people to stand around because an archiac contract states they must have them, then it could add up to a lot of pennies and nickels. I don't think the show should be required to have workers who are not required for that show. Most businesses can't tolerate excess employees in their budget.

The issue isn't wages, it's number (and types) of workers required by the contract.

As in all things, the truth is somewhere in the middle and it's going to take both sides making concessions to settle this. But they need to get back to the bargaining table with a mediator.

This stike is toughest on people who are coming from long distances to Broadway to see the shows. Many plans are not changeable and for some, just any Broadway or off-Broadway show is not why they planned the trip.

Hello799 · Senior Member

Well wrote grannygreaser. I guess my comment was in reference to the millions of dollars in revenue being loss per day because of the strike. You are correct, the answer lies in the middle.

I do agree that both parties needs to go back to the table with a mediator. I wonder why Bloomberg has not yet stepped up to the plate. To busy contimplating running for President maybe???? I would think that the city has a very large problem here as well. Millions of dollars are being lost in tourism as well.

grannygreaser · Senior Member

Hello799 wrote:
I wonder why Bloomberg has not yet stepped up to the plate.

From what I read, Bloomberg has offered to mediate several times. Can he force it? I know the mayor has intervened in the past, but I'm not sure if they can actually force the sides to the bargaining table.

MrE1111 · Guru

Bloomberg offered his neutral ground for new talks, but Local One respectfully declined, saying that it's not his job to settle the dispute.

cthfc · Newbie

grannygreaser wrote:
This stike is toughest on people who are coming from long distances to Broadway to see the shows. Many plans are not changeable and for some, just any Broadway or off-Broadway show is not why they planned the trip.

That's me!

Hi. I am a new member of the forum (this is my first posting), currently sat in a freezing cold England. My upcoming trip to NYC (booked for the last 30 weeks), with me, my girlfriend, her brother and his girlfriend, is the highlight of my year. I love the city - this is my 4th visit.

After my first disappointment of (probably) missing a taping of Conan (I have tickets for the 26th Nov), now this! I so hope they get this strike sorted ASAP - as there'll be 4 very disappointed theatre-goers on the 24th Nov. Will be a great shame to go all that way and miss out on the highlight of our trip.

I'll keep checking this forum daily for any word on the street, or official update - please keep us all informed!

Cheers
Chris

Hello799 · Senior Member

MrE1111 wrote:
Bloomberg offered his neutral ground for new talks, but Local One respectfully declined, saying that it's not his job to settle the dispute.

Certainly not his job to settle this. But this strike affects just more than the stagehands and performers. It also includes restaurant owners, hotel owners, tourism sites, plus all the people that work at these places. With a lack of tourism, the need to have these employees will respectfully decline as well. Its all just a shame, and when it comes right down to it, someone (don't care who) has to step to the plate and say that its their job. And it needs to be done sooner rather than later. Whether its the Mayor or someone else. If he does nothing, he may be forced to do something. He will not let the working force of his city suffer for very long. Thats a guarantee!!!!

Maria15 · Veteran Member

so grease is close isn't it? here in spain the information it's not very clear
do u think shows will be back before christmas and new year?

XOXO MARIA

AllisonPattyFan · Veteran Member

actually if we see the money part, NEW York will have serius problem if the show don't go back soon
4 years ago we had a stike like this and it was on just for 4 days but NY lost 7 million dollars, so i think they'll do something soon
BTW christmas is coming and one of the biggest attractions of NY it's broadway musical they're not fool enought to let christmas with out any broadway musicals
Stagehand are right but PLEASE make broadway musicals back!!!

MrE1111 · Guru

There are plays on Broadway as well, you know.

That said, for anyone wondering how Max, Laura, Stephanie J. Block, Sierra Boggess, John Gallager, Jr., Debra Monk, and every other Broadway actor will be paid...

Signing in, I have learned, makes them elligible for strike-pay. Signing in gets them standard weekly unemployment pay, $400/wk.

Laura Mom · Senior Member

I hate the fact that we, in some cases, need unions at all. In many cases if employers had been fair in the first place we would not have to suffer with unions. Now, many times, unions aren't fair either. There are bizarre things this union is fighting for (ie: fighting for the right to require certain numbers of people to automatically be employed whether they're needed or not) which defies every sense of reason. I believe in fair compensation and good working conditions and I also believe in the principal of companies being able to make a profit so they can stay in business. I know this is a touchy topic and depending upon which side of the fence you're on, you'll see it from your viewpoint. But what I truly detest the most is when the war of unfair demands on either side victimizes the public. We, like others, had friends who flew to New York last weekend to see the show. Weeks of anticipation, months of saving their money, etc. etc...ended in pretty grave disappointment. And of course they weren't the only ones. While standing at the theatre they heard many other people's similar story and saw lots of disappointed kids who don't understand. One member of the cast had a group of 60 hometown friends there Saturday night who of course, saw no show. You can't take that kind of stuff back. I am due to fly to New York this coming Friday to take my 83 year old mother to see the show. This will likely be the last trip my mother will be able to make in her lifetime. I have the chance to either have this visit be a fantastic lasting memory or a very sad disappointment. I wish the people with unreasonable demands could hear all of these personal stories. Maybe it would make them more eager to return to the tables and negotiate fairly.

Hello799 · Senior Member

A-M-E-N ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

DogsandBirds · Guru

Everyone feels badly for the loss of their plans for NYC even the stagehands. They have never struck in the 120 years of the union, although musiicians and actors have several times.

Both sides have been unreasonable to some extent, but the League seems to be more unreasonable than the union. They tried to enforce a contract not ratified by the local with unnegotiated conditions. As far as featherbedding is concerned, the safety of the cast and crew makes certain jobs very important even if they seem to have less to do at certain times than others. Also, the issues are not simplistic, although others try to make them so. Featherbedding is a point of view and a highly inflammatory word. The League says that and the union says safety.

One of the issues is calling in a stagehand for a minimum number of hours. Would you travel into work for one hour's work? They want a four hour minimum, which seems reasonable.

Living in and around NYC is extremely costly. A two bedroom apartment, not in Mahattan (which is what most people think of when they say the city) but in one of the boroughs costs in the area of 1600-1800 without utlitlies. We pay very high electric rates and of course, food and such are expensive here too. An apartment in Manhattan can be double that price.

The mayor cannot force the sides to negotiate. Theater is private industry and there is no governmental oversight except as concerns labor laws.

The taping of Conan is the writer's strike and has nothing to do with this.

We can all hope that the strike is settled amiciably and soon!

-- Edited by DogsandBirds at 23:54, 2007-11-12

gramps3 · Senior Member

DogsandBirds wrote:

Featherbedding is a point of view and a highly inflammatory word.
"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet...."

We can all hope that the strike is settled amiciably and soon!
"'tis a consummation devoutly to be wish'd."

Stan/gramps3

shell8422 · Veteran Member

Jane, I pray that the show will be back on in time for your mother!! and for anyone else traveling to see the show. This truly is sad :( and I can only imagine how I would feel if I was the one going to see the show and it was cancelled.

DogsandBirds · Guru

Stan: perception is truth. There is only point of view when it comes to contract negotiations.

As my mother always said; if wishes were horses, beggars would ride. But, sometimes wishes do come true.

Maxismylove · Senior Member

There are so many sad stories all around and for every show that affect the actors (no pay )- those of you who think that 400.00 a week before taxes is pay?) the families of the stagehands as well and all the other workers in the theater.
These are their jobs and I dont think it is right for anyone to be placing blame. Dogsandbirds is right in that there are truths to each side of the story and what the public hears is not the full truth.
I am certainly worried for all the people associated with the shows and making ends meet should this go on for a long period of time and I am not worried about the people missing the shows. I am worried about kids loosing apartments or having utilities shut off if this goes on for weeks.
We have family that missed the show last Saturday and Sunday and will miss this weekend if not resolved. We have family coming for Thanksgiving and every weekend afte that that may not be able to see the show. They may not be able to get out to see it again before the run is over, and will be dissapointed, but will be alright. The fans will be alright.

I pray for a comfort and a peace for these kids and adults that are worried about their homes and their families because they dont have a savings account to fall back on and they believe in what they are doing or they support what their co-workers are doing.

Ray · Senior Member

The sad picture that Jane paints of all those disappointed people this past weekend is heart-rending. Even more so when contrasted with what might have been. This show has some particular magic that creates unbridled joy in people, and they show it at the end.

As it turned out, tickets would have been refunded, and hotel reservations can be cancelled, but I don't know about airline tickets. Very sad.

Rachel gives us the other side of it, potentially much more serious if the strike persists.

-- Edited by Ray at 02:44, 2007-11-13

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

If Reagan had the airplanes flying without the air traffic controllers, Broadway could function without the stagehands. If this strike were to go on for much longer I would hire replacements, scabs whoever wanted to do an honest days work. Because safety is a concern the real stunts like the chandelier fall we have read about 100 times could be cut out. But a straight play could be done with no problem. Afterall I imagine everyone putting on Grease does not have a 10,0000, 000 dollar budget or professional stagehands. I don't know how the public would take a somewhat watered down version but maybe if the prices were watered down too they would take it just fine. To have everyone out of work, theatergoers disappointed, because the union wants something in return for giving up positions that are no longer needed is sickening. If producers are making millions they deserve it, if stagehands are making 1-2 hundred thousand annually well they deserve it too. But to get paid for doing nothing...no one deserves that.

shell8422 · Veteran Member

Rachel brought out alot of points alot of people and even I have overlooked. I am scared for the performers! I hope and pray that this strike will be over very soon! I feel helpless and wish I could do something to help out those who will struggle through this. Are there any petitions or anything like that to sign??

DogsandBirds · Guru

GrestWhiteway: not sure if anyone getting paid for doing nothing is a real issue or not but Actors Equity won't cross picket lines because the union has instructed the actors not to do so. No, not every production of Grease has union actors, stage hands or the like, but this is Broadway.

You think the union has all the issues and the producers are being kind and generous? This is about job security and it is about the fact that Broadway houses are unionized, all of them. The issues are not one sided, however, enforcing a contract that has not been ratified by the membership is a violation of good faith bargaining, at the very least.

If the producers make millions, so much the better for Broadway, but doesn't the working man deserve a living wage?

And on the other hand, the safety of the cast, crew and audience has much to do with the stagehands. I, for one, would not like inexperienced "scabs" working back stage (it's very small and tight back there) at Grease and endangering those we love.

I have no idea where the salary figures are coming from, but I highly doubt those figures.

greatwhiteway · Senior Member

Just to start I would never think the producers are being kind and generous. They are business and that is not what business is about. But to me the same goes for the union and all unions as well. They are also out to get whatever they can for themselves and everone else be damned, just like management.
I don't think everyone deserves job security. Sure it is a tenet of unions, but not everywhere in business. There your job is secure as long as you do it in a satisfactory manner and it is needed. Otherwise, in the real world, your job is not secure. And I don't think it should be.
And of course the working man deserves a living, even a really good wage, but he has to be a working man, not one standing around doing nothing. Even the union doesn't contest there is a lot of standing around doing nothing. Yes, I think it was low of management to enforce work rules that were not agreed upon. But again that is business, I don't like it either.
Still if I could run the show without the stagehands, I would. I think Equity is foolish supporting the stagehands. They got a rotten contract with the stagehands supporting them, they can get a rotten contract without the stagehands supporting them. Does not seem like having stagehands in their corner have helped a lot. There is a lot of crossing picket lines in the real world too. One category of workers strike but others report to work. When it's over you're all friends again. I've been there, on the working side.

I never underestimate what people could do. Whatever sound and lighting stunts are done at Grease I imagine a hired independent contractor could do them as well with some practice. In fact, all that dancing the guys have to do, so fast, looks like the most dangerous thing that happens in that show anyway.

( Except of course the car hanging from the ceiling)

Ray · Senior Member

The car hangs from the ceiling? The red convertible? Seriously? I don't remember it. Shows how important it is.
With Max and ChaCha dancing, who cares about cars hanging from ceilings??!!

Hello799 · Senior Member

Seriously, we could debate from the sidelines all we want, I wanna know what is it gonna take to get this issue resolved. Any ideas????

As any and all readers can see, there are many points to be made on this issue. I can only hope that it is resolved soon.

One question, if the stagehands won't perform their job duties, whats stopping the shows from hiring outside the union to have their shows go on.?

You won't do your job, I will find someone else to do it for you!

I have traveled the world due to my previous career and this past Aug. was my actuall first time in NYC. I have been near, but never specifically there. The ONLY reason why I went this this time was because of Broadway. If there wasn't a reality show, if Max and Laura didn't win, I would not have went. Now, if for some reason, the strike would have been going on at the time I had went, I would have been devastated. At the least, very angry. I would never return. Not that it is close to happening yet, but the public won't stand by waiting too long. People (fans) may end up losing interest and simply find other things to do.
Sorry for the rambling, we all know whats at stake.

PS- Jane, regardless if the strike is still going on this weekend, may your family have a wonderful time spending it together for your birthdays.

-- Edited by Hello799 at 06:23, 2007-11-13

DogsandBirds · Guru

Yes, when the car is in use, it hangs from the ceiling. The backstage of the Brooks Atkinson is tiny and set pieces must be stored above stage.

Do you really want the cast to go on without trained stagehands? What about their safety? It takes training and skill to be a stagehand, although some may not think so. In any case, the actors would not cross the picket line to perform as their union, Actors Equity, has told them not to do so and many feel this is correct.

Hello799: I am very sorry you feel that way about the city of my birth. I have lived here all my life and I love it. I can tell all the wonderful things about NYC besides Broadway and what a great time you can have here no matter where your interest lies, but there isn't enough room on this chat board to list all of them.

Maria15 · Veteran Member

Any news is it over? please i need news we don't have much information here

Argh · Member

As many people have pointed out, there are numerous issues on both sides of this strike & the truth most likely lies somewhere in the middle of all of the rhetoric that is being given to the media & the public. In truth though, both sides will need to adjust their position somewhat in order to bring it to conclusion.

My position on ending strikes holds a bit of humor but also some truth.

Lock both sides in a room and tell them they cant come out for any reason, including going to the bathroom, until they have a deal.

As I said, you can look at this concept as a bit funny but what this provides is urgent motivation to settle the matter and really get down to the key issues - no time for posturing, just Get er Done!!

-- Edited by Argh at 16:40, 2007-11-13

DogsandBirds · Guru

Well said Argh!

Hello799 · Senior Member

DogsandBirds......I too am sorry to say that I had never been to NYC and the only reason that I was there was for Broadway. You are so right, there are many things to do in NYC......When I was there in August, I was there for 4 days, and believe me, 4 days was not even close enough to do all the things we wanted to. But the fact remains, if not for GREASE, I still would not have ever been there.

Argh.......nice.

reniefran · Senior Member

I couldn't decide how to reply or to whom so I just picked the last post. Before I replied I did a little research. According to one article I read it said that some stage hands earn as much as $1600 a week while the lower paid stage hands earn around $1225 a week. With overtime and extras the League whoever they are estimates that the average yearly wage is around $115,00 dollars. That said I don't think it is safe to have people who are not fully trained filling in for stage hands who are. Think about the disastrous consequences that could have. I don't even want to think about it! I do think it's really stupid to have people stand around with nothing to do just because they might be needed. Here's a thought. If they feel like these people are needed then maybe they could bring them in at a reduced rate and up the wage if they are indeed needed. I think that we don't know the truth about this whole thing because we hear only what the press gives us. I like the idea of locking them both in a room and not letting them come out until they reach an agreement. Having been on the receiving end of contract negotiations I can tell you that both sides rarely if ever get everything that they want. They end up compromising to reach an agreeement. I also hate think about all the people that this could put out of work and how it could effect them.
I have tried living on unemployment and believe me it's not fun! It was hard to live on unemployment here in my state I can't even imagine what it would be like to live in New York City on 400 a week.
I think we just have to wait and see and pray that someone has the guts to wade into this mess and mediate a settlement.

Laura Mom · Senior Member

Well, as everyone has said it is hard for any of us to really know the full details of each side's perspective and with that in mind we probably aren't really qualified to give too educated of an opinion. There is one point I want to defend however, and that is the importance of the impact of the strike on the people who don't get to see the show because of the strike. Maybe it's my Midwestern values that put so much emphasis on that but business will soon go "out of business" if you forget the value of your customer. There would be no shows if there were no patrons to come and see those shows. Most people who have to make plans to fly to New York to see a Broadway show really have put a high priority on doing just that--seeing that show! They've saved their vacation dollars, taken time off work, greatly looked forward to it--sometimes even arranged others to go with them and to NOT get to see the show has a big impact. Now if you live in New York or you have enough discretionary dollars to return another time not as big a deal. But I can speak for many people going from here that this is a much more RARE opportunity and it IS a big deal. Even I feel it personally right now! My 83 year old mother has NEVER seen a Broadway show and we have tickets for Friday night. The customer matters a lot. Please remember that--each side of the debating coin!

MrE1111 · Guru

Yes, it does seem that the audience has been forgotten about. However, many of the performers are indeed on the picketlines, and not adverse to performing for the crowds.

I know for a fact the company of Spring Awakening performed a number or two the other day at show time. The company of The Grinch, includign Patrick Page (The Grinch, himself), hugged and apologized to audience members. Chicago musicians played All That Jazz on the picketlines.

Hardly consolation, but, well, you know...

grannygreaser · Senior Member

It looks like the two sides may come together for a discussion this weekend.
BroadwayWorld article.

Afraid it won't be soon enough to help you out, Jane.

NYC9758 · Veteran Member

Here's an article from the NYTimes giving a few details on what the two sides may be discussing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/arts/14broadway.html?ex=1352782800&en=878cff31058a8082&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

singingdoc · Veteran Member

Jane,
You expressed a very important point, CUSTOMER SERVICE. Being a sports fan, I liken this strike to 2 professional events, the Baseball strike of the 1990's and the more recent NHL (hockey for you non-sports enthusiasts)strike. Both were prolonged strikes. In the case of Baseball, the sport was able to recover and even increase its fan base. Many people feel that this was due, in large part, to the fortuitous, "steroid induced" homerun contest between Sosa and McGuire that occurred the year immediately following the strike. The NHL has not been so fortunate. Their fan base has precipitously dropped, resulting in huge salary decreases for the players. Interestingly, the TV market share for last year's Stanley Cup Final was significantly lower than that for the worst week of Grease- You're The One That I Want (which many considered a ratings bomb). There has even been talk of cancelling the NHL's TV contract all together. If that happens, players' contracts will take another hit. In the case of hockey, fan's got really ticked-off at both the players and management and are still staying away in droves.
I, like you, do not know enough of the fine details of the current debacle. My guess is that, like Glinda says in Wicked, "There's blame to share". Whoever's right or wrong here, both parties need to realize that they better not tick-off too many of the paying customers by prolonging the strike. Otherwise, these customers (especially the out-of-town ones) may find better ways to spend their discretionary funds and forget about Broadway altogether.

-- Edited by singingdoc at 22:29, 2007-11-14

Maxismylove · Senior Member

Which shows are cancelled?
The performances and shows listed below have been cancelled.

Performances:
Saturday, November 10matinee and evening
Sunday, November 11matinee and evening
Monday, November 12evening
Tuesday, November 13evening
Wednesday, November 14matinee and evening
Thursday, November 15evening
Friday, November 16evening
Saturday, November 17matinee and evening

I am sure that everyone has already seen this. Jane I am sorry that you and your mother are missing the show. I do understand what the fans go through to get there and that it could possibly prevent them from coming back or even making decisions not to come back. The point I was trying to make earlier was that though incredibly dissapointed, they will recover. Our family is in the same position and will be missing the Saturday performance. Again, I am sorry that your mother will miss seeing your beautiful Laura perform and will pray every day that the Lord provides her with an opportunity to see it before it's end.

Eris · Guru

I have some friends coming out from LA after Thanksgiving to see Grease, Hairspray, and Alter Boyz. I feel bad that they're coming all this way to only see Alter Boyz.

koko3 · Veteran Member

Not to diminish the unfortunate situation....especially for Laura and Max's family and the rest of the Grease cast and family....but sometimes laughter can help.........I realize the situation for many families is not funny but just thought some might enjoy this......

Maybe John Stewart and Steven Colbert can lighten the mood.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCVIgJHEjRk

I don't know if this link will work....if this doesn't work, maybe someone can help posting it,
Its under "Strike on Broadway" on You Tube.

-- Edited by koko3 at 01:06, 2007-11-15

-- Edited by koko3 at 01:12, 2007-11-15

Max Star · Veteran Member

Here's what seems like some concise info on the strike issues for anyone interested..

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/arts/14broadway.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Hello799 · Senior Member

Sorry I was gone for the day. Something very important came up and I realized something............I don't care who's fault the strike is, I don't care who is to blame, heck....I don't even care how they come to an agreement. LIFE IS TOO SHORT. Your suppose to enjoy life.
My father had a stroke this morning.
I don't think the stagehands that are picketing all day long are having fun. I don't think the performers trying to live on peanuts is having any fun. I don't think the producers/owners who aren't making any money are having fun. And I know the fans that spend thousands of dollars NOT to see a broadway show are having any fun.
Not that I ever took life for granted. But, this morning was an unexpected slap of reality. I could only hope that in the near future, WHOMEVER decides to step in and resolve this issue.