A stagehand strike which started
today shut down most of the Broadway shows. The union members of
Local One, belonging to the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage
Employees, began picketing in the rain at 10 AM. News reports say 27
Broadway shows, including Wicked, Jersey Boys, The Lion King and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
were shuttered going in to the holiday season when most of these shows
enjoy their best attendance. (Tourists accounted for about 65% of the
12.3 million tickets bought for NYC shows in the 2006-07 season, the
largest % in the two decades.) The walkout over work rules took place
after negotiations broke down with the League of American Theaters And
Producers.
PS:I love Broadway!!!!!!!