Thursday, November 29, 2007

Mo Money, or No Shows

A wise man once said, "Mo money, mo problems."

This seems to have been the phrase for pay in the past month or so, particular in the WGA strike and Broadway stagehands' strike.

After the 19 day strike, Broadway will be opened in time for its busiest holiday season. Stagehands and producers finally reached a tentative agreement, resulting in a compromise for both parties. Back in early November, stagehands refused to work due to contract disputes over wages and the technicality of how many stagehands are required to open a Broadway show.

Though the Broadway theater lights will be on for the holiday season, the strike has impacted the shows in more ways than one. The Disney musical, "The Little Mermaid," which was scheduled to premiere on December 6th, has now been delayed. Several shows that were in preview before the strike are now finally establishing open dates.

It is reported that the loss of business during Thanksgiving week has resulted in a loss of an estimated $2 million a day. The strike itself shut down 26 out of the 35 shows on Broadway.
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I probably see a Broadway show maybe once a year. But I watch tv on a weekly basis.

Don't get me wrong; yay for the Broadway stagehands! But how's about fixing up that little WGA strike now, studio "I Love It When They Call Me Big Poppa" execs?

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