GRINCH to Re-open Friday!!- Page 2

[EugLoven]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 2:36pm

Latest news from source: The theatre owners are in the appeals court trying to over-turn the ruling. They reason that if one of their Jujamcyn Theatres can open during the strike, then all of them can.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 2:40pm

Actually, since the Nederlander's "separate agreement" was not a fully executed written contract and just some verbal understanding they had, there was no binding legal contract in place to prevent the union from striking them -- they were in basically the same boat as the rest of the League in terms of their only valid contract having expired back in July, so nothing was to prevent the strike from happening, even though the Nederlanders hadn't unilaterally imposed new work rules on the union.

Also it should be noted that although the Nederlanders did say that they would lockout the union in the event of a strike, that never happened. According to the suit just filed, the union began its strike of the Nederlander theaters prior to the Nederlanders doing the actual lockout.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 3:14pm

Thank you Margo for finding that information out. Though, I still feel that had the Nederlanders stayed Neutral and not suggested that the Union accept the League's contract, there would be no strike against them.

The Union would have had a reason to continue negotiations with Nederlanders separately. As long as they didn't change the previous contract agreement without approval from the Union. It was the imposed work rules by the League, the public threat of a work Lock out that incited the strike and then breakdown of the negotiation process. I believe the Union when the League told them to "go ahead and strike". I hope they got that on tape and honestly, I bet they do. Once though the Nederlander's took the side of the League, they made it clear that they were choosing sides so that ended their neutrality, as least as far as I can see.

It will be difficult for the Nederlanders to convince a Court if they had nothing in writing to carry in with them. Though I would think everything was recorded. Verbal agreements hold some legal precedence I understand. I still don't know how they will get around the fact that they sent, in writing, that request that the Union settle with the League. It can be seen as merely a suggestion but it did seem rather determined to me. I am sure the Union had their Lawyers scour the books before adding the Nederlanders to their strike list.

The trouble with playing both sides. Eventually, if no agreement is reached, you often are forced to choose at some point. I still hold the Nederlanders in contempt for not keeping their oars safely in their own boats and not shifting the tide.

Some Producers might be suing Nederlanders for writing that letter, considering that Nederlanders actually has a lot of successful shows running at the moment. They weren't making lots of money on everything but more than their competitors it seemed overall?

I just hope Disney is suing. If I had a show as big as The Little Mermaid and had to postpone my opening night, I'd sue Nederlanders too! They should have that trial on Court TV! I'd like to see who caved at Nederlanders and authorized that letter. :) I think there is a very good reason why the Union released it to the Press.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 3:27pm

I think what people are failing to grasp is that since their was no valid contract between the Nederlanders and the Union, the Union could have just altogether stopped working in July. Legally. Therefore, regardless as to what side The Nederlanders were on, the Union can enforce a work stoppage against them. The Union may have just been pre-empting a possible lockout by the Nederlanders, or they could be doing what Nederlander is suggestion: using them to force an agreement with the League. Either way, since they are under no obligation to show up to work under non-strike conditions, they can strike them is they want as well.


"Some Producers might be suing Nederlanders for writing that letter, considering that Nederlanders actually has a lot of successful shows running at the moment."

Most businesses that employ union workers would have a clause in any agreements that would indemnify them from such lawsuits in the event of a work stoppage (well, the smart ones anyway).

"I just hope Disney is suing. If I had a show as big as The Little Mermaid and had to postpone my opening night, I'd sue Nederlanders too! They should have that trial on Court TV! I'd like to see who caved at Nederlanders and authorized that letter. :) I think there is a very good reason why the Union released it to the Press."

As I said above, Most businesses that employ union workers would have a clause in any agreements that would indemnify them from such lawsuits in the event of a work stoppage, so it is unlikely Disney COULD sue. Even though these employees are paid by the show, they work for that specific theatre, so that would take precedence.

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 3:36pm

What would have been better, would have been if Patrick Paige came out with the company out of the Judges chambers after the ruiling was given.

I also hope the Judge got free tickets.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 3:47pm

^Then that would have appeared to be bribery.

[theaterdude87]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 4:03pm

Even if it was after?

I mean I totally get it. It was meant more as a joke...which was obviously not gotten.

Updated On: 11/21/07 at 04:03 PM

[TechEverlasting]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 4:06pm

Tkt2Ride wrote:

"As mentioned many times here yet not officially, the Union didn't want to strike The Grinch because of the contract. Yet, if they didn't, it would go against their other members who had to strike to be effective."

But Local 1 stagehands are currently working at Mary Poppins, Young Frankenstein and others. Are they going against their union? No, they're just abiding by a valid contract. If there wasn't actually a signed contract for Grinch then perhaps there isn't such a clearcut right to damages for the Grinch's investors. I would like to see these investors get some compensation. This whole fiasco isn't doing much to make Broadway seem like an attractive place to put money into.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 4:38pm

Latest news from source: The theatre owners are in the appeals court trying to over-turn the ruling. They reason that if one of their Jujamcyn Theatres can open during the strike, then all of them can.

So are they trying to shut down the Grinch or open all of their theatres?

Posted: 11/21/07 at 5:16pm

Oh Thank GOD! Finally someone thought of the hundreds of thousands, nay MILLIONS of Children who had their Christmas (and by extension) their ENTIRE lives RUINED by the awful awful strike!

[Fosse76]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 5:22pm

"Even if it was after?"

That would most definitely appear to be bribery, and the decision would immediately be overturned by the appeals court.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 6:01pm

Fosse thank you for trying to answer my questions but those two examples you quoted were directly regarding the League and the Producers. They consist of the Theatre owners and loosely include any Producers who are currently running shows on Broadway. This is why a show like The Little Mermaid would sue probably both Parties but really the easier target is the League since they have the most money.

It costs money to sue people and you want to get paid so you go after the ones with the most money. The Union had cause to strike but they also had incentive to continue to negotiate with the Nederlanders because they did not impose illegal restriction on the Union while the other parties have.

TechEverlasting- The other shows you mentioned running are not owned by the League, that is why they are excluded and the reason for my comment in a different post about, "Corporate Raiders". Too few Companies own too many big Theatres. Talk about not liking Unions? Add to that list then Corporations who can charge obscene amounts of money for their shows because they lack competition? This isn't a black and while fight here. Lots of underlying elements that the Press refuses to explore, like how much are these shows really making, how much are Producers being paid and what other perks or bonus' are attached to a Production that is also draining the budget of an Investors pocketbook?

So hopefully someone can help me with the rest of my curious questions.

I think Judge Judy should come in and tell us all what it is and isn't. At least her explanations will be entertaining. I want regular updates too from Lisa and Vinnie from Court TV. Okay, I don't watch Television in general but I might bug my friends if it is that interesting.

[JimmyP2]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 7:35pm

I know I'm going to sound like a leach.....but....Does anyone know what site to go to for tickets? I can't seem to find anywhere that will let me pick my seats.


I'm only looking for 2 tickets for myself and a friend.


I'm going to get my asbestos undies on now.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 9:33pm

Jimmy if it opens who wouldn't want you to go except for Jujamcyn? Though you are best to start a thread for this since people who have tickets to sell might not post here regularly.

[Mooo]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 9:40pm

I can't believe the league is appealing this ruling. Can you imagine the press if they are succesful and the show is shut down again. The league needs to get some different advisors. The article below, which has probably been linked somewhere else, tells a pretty good story from my point of view.


http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2007/11/21/2007-11-21_local_one_stage_union_amasses_5m_strike_.html

[bugmenot]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 10:21pm

of course they're appealing, they're not playing with a full deck.

I wonder if people have started to hear the story about Gerry Schoenfeld calling Father Baker (twice) at the Actor's Chapel and threatening him for letting the unions use the chapel as a meeting place? It was considerably less subtle than what Reidel's column implies....

[sabrelady]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 11:20pm

I admit I'd really like a look @ the GRINCH contract w Jujamcyn. From what i can see Jujamcyn had no part of GRINCH except to act as landlords. As long as the producers paid the rent and did not violate federal, state or municipal laws- Jujamcyn should not have resticted their access to the theatre. I see a breach of contract here and look forward to long and protracted litigation between all parties but esp by the GRINCH producers who can ask for damages to their reputations thus impeading their ability to obtain backers for future productions. Good times for all!!!

[myManCape]

Posted: 11/21/07 at 11:38pm

Ill be at the first post strike preformance Friday morning. Maybe the league will be out side picketing the show. If it is appealed I hope a decision is announced before I leave Friday morning. Is anyone else going to show support for the strike having ended (in at least one theatre.)

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 1:33am

I just picked up a ticket to Friday's 11am show! Woohoo!

[FutureAladdinOnB'Way]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 2:05am

This makes me happy that The Grinch is re-opening :)

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 2:17am

Bring yer cameras
There will be head Banging
if you want to Strike
It should be all Broadway
the infighting about who is working and who is not is madening!

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 2:42am

Does this mean that Jujamcyn lost their appeal? Please tell me that is true so I can do my happy dance for Thanksgiving!!!


Eugene sorry I didn't mean to ignore your post.

All I can say to Jujamcyn is, show me your Contracts buddy!

If you think it is great being a Stagehand how about being a Lawyer! I fear though that the Rose Corporation, who I bet got their money upfront, may suffer a little over this one.

Since they steal money from Rich Clients, they can sleep at night, what else would they do with the money? Buy some ugly Castle in Iraq? I mean please!

At least if you lose your money investing in a Broadway Show you can say, you did it for the Arts! Look how many jobs I created! When you lose it to a Lawyer all you can do is get drunk and tell it to your bartender.

I hear that Joe Allen is feeling kind of lonely. So much for banking on those Rich Producers. If they don't watch it, Disney will come in and buy more of Broadway.

Right now, I think they are eyeing one of those Nederlander Theaters awfully careful. They better get a contract real fast or they will be handing it over to Disney, free of charge.
Updated On: 11/22/07 at 02:42 AM

[StageFan2]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 11:11am

Don't worry myCapemMan, Playbill is reporting that while an appeal is planned; because of the holiday weekend, it (the appeal) can not be heard before Tuesday - so Grinch is on for the weekend.

From the article on playbill.com:

"Jujamcyn, which owns the St. James, plans to appeal the decision; however, the motion has been tabled until Tuesday, Nov. 27. The Grinch will therefore play this holiday weekend: performance times are Friday, Nov. 23 at 11 AM, 2, 5 and 8 PM; Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 AM, 2, 5 and 8 PM; and Sunday, Nov. 25 at 11 AM and 2 and 5 PM."

Updated On: 11/22/07 at 11:11 AM

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 2:58pm

Thank you StageFan exactly what I was hoping for! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[carymetorent2]

Posted: 11/22/07 at 3:22pm

What about the announcement that all shows were cancelled this week....won't that affect ticket sales for the Grinch since many people already got refunds?