Most of Broadway's theaters went dark on Saturday when
stagehands went out on strike in a dispute with theater owners and
producers, leaving thousands of ticket holders seeking refunds and
entertainment alternatives.
The strike, which comes just as the crucial holiday season
approaches, could last from days to several weeks, both sides in
the dispute said.
Refunds or exchanges would be issued for canceled performances,
the League of American Theaters and Producers, which represents
producers and theater owners, said in a statement.
Picket lines went up in the morning outside the canceled 11 am
EST performance of Dr Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas," with
more expected later at other Saturday matinees.
Some 25 other Broadway shows were also canceled, including cash
cows like Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera,
Wicked, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and The Lion
King.
The theater league said the strike by the stagehands, who have
been working without a contract since July, would cost about US$17
million for every day it lasts.
Picketing members of Local One of the International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees carried signs reading "On strike"
outside the St James Theater, where disappointed ticket holders
voiced frustration.
"This is one experience of New York City that some of these kids
will never have again," one parent told local media, adding that
"nothing compares" to seeing a Broadway show.
Off-Broadway theaters, nonprofit theaters on Broadway and a
handful of major productions including Mary Poppins and Young
Frankenstein were not affected by the strike, the latter two having
separate contracts.
(China Daily via Agencies November 12, 2007)