Producers, Broadway stagehands resume talks

(New York - WABC, November 26, 2007) (WABC) -- Broadway stagehands, on strike, and theater producers resumed talks Monday night -- 12 hours after ending a marathon negotiating session aimed at settling a labor dispute that has kept most of Broadway dark for more than two weeks.

A long Sunday meeting between Local 1 and the League of American Theatres and Producers spilled into the early morning hours of Monday, according to Bruce Cohen, a union spokesman.

"Progress was made in the 20 hours of negotiations Sunday morning to 6 a.m. Monday," Cohen said. "Each side is being very creative and imaginative as the search is made to find compromise. But, with all of us looking into each other's the bleary eyes as the sun was rising over Times Square, the decision was made to adjourn, get some sleep and come back tonight (Monday) with clear heads and, hopefully, new ideas."

The league declined comment on the resumption of talks.

Renewed efforts to end the work stoppage came at the end of the Thanksgiving holiday week, usually one of the best times of the year for Broadway. Not so this year, with most of Broadway, including such big hits as "Wicked," "Jersey Boys," "The Lion King," "Mamma Mia!" and "The Phantom of the Opera," shut down since the stagehands walked out Nov. 10.

Both Local 1 and the league have been under pressure to find a solution to the conflict as box-office losses climb and other unions that work on Broadway, such as Actors' Equity Association, began to feel the effects of no paychecks.

Theater-related businesses have been hurt, too. City Comptroller William Thompson has estimated the economic impact of the strike at $2 million a day, based on survey data including theatergoers total spending on tickets, dining, shopping and other activities.

The complicated contract dispute has focused on how many stagehands are required to open a Broadway show and keep it running. That means moving scenery, lights, sound systems and props into the theater; installing the set and making sure it works; and keeping everything functioning well for the life of the production.

Eight shows remain open including "Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" at the St. James Theatre. The limited-run musical originally had been shut by the strike but was reopened last week by court order.

Jujamcyn Theaters, which owns the St. James, initially announced it would appeal the state Supreme Court decision. But on Monday, Jujamcyn agreed not to seek an immediate appeal, meaning the $6 million production can continue uninterrupted for the rest of its holiday run. The engagement ends Jan. 6.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•