Nov 9, 2007 6:04 am US/Eastern
Stage Is Set For Broadway Strike
Theaters Could Go Dark Over Stagehand Walkout
Dave Carlin, CBS 2 HD News
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Producers want more control over how many stagehands they can hire.
CBS
The stage is set for a strike on Broadway. Negotiations between stagehands and producers stalled yet again, after both sides presented what they said were their last and best offers.
All the drama and intrigue playing out on Broadway stages can't hold a candle to the real life tension behind the scenes between members of the Stagehand Union and the League of American Theaters and Producers.
Both presented their "final" offers but could not come together after two days of tough negotiations.
So the Stagehands voted again, and the curtain is going up on a walkout.
What is missing is a firm start date, but it would plunge most shows into darkness during the busy holiday season.
The vast majority of Broadway theaters would go dark -- 27 shows in all.
Some shows would remain open, however, including several nonprofit theaters and shows in the following theaters: New Amsterdam Theater, where "Mary Poppins" is playing; the Hilton Theater, home to "Young Frankenstein"; the Circle in the Square; and the Helen Hayes Theater.
The League of American Theatres and Producers wants more flexibility in how many stagehands it must hire for each show, but the union says it will not give up job protection.
A huge ripple effect is expected for all kinds of city businesses.
"A lot of our customers are here to see a Broadway show. They stop for a downtown tour, then they see a show. Of course it is going to affect us," said tour bus operator Jose Rivera.
A strike could mean millions of dollars a day in lost revenue. A strike struck Broadway in 2003, when a musicians' strike shut down Broadway. That one was over after four days.
Stay withw cbstv.com and CBS 2 for the latest in this continuing story.
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