Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

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Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 1:27am

I read an article in the theatre section of the NY Times today (it was a day or two ago, but I am still behind on it) that spoke about how the Local 802 is angry at the producers of Priscilla. Apparently, they are not fans of the show having only nine people in the pit and the rest of the music be done via computer.
Broadway Union Takes On ‘Priscilla’ Over Music

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Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 1:50am

Take it up with the Broadway League, they're the ones who allowed it.

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 1:54am

We've been over this recently, btw.
Link

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 5:54am

1) The producers went through the proper avenues to use fewer musicians than the standard minimum at that theater. If the union had a problem, they should have brought it up then. If the union is not allowed to voice concerns when a show petitions the Broadway League, they need to be complaining to the Broadway League, not slamming a show that did everything right to have a pit that small.

2) People who play synthesizers are musicians, too. Is the union removing support for legitimate instrumentalists just to get more players in a pit for a show that really doesn't need them? Do they want the synth player fired to bring in a full string section? How is that protection for Broadway musicians?

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 7:00am

Of course synthesizer players are musicians, but that fact has nothing to do with this conflict. Do you consider digital audio playback systems to be musicians? Priscilla is using prerecorded tracks of string and woodwind players and then claiming that they should be exempt from the house minimum agreed to in the current contract because their orchestration doesn't need strings or woodwinds!

There is an established procedure for requesting a waiver from the house orchestra minimum, which both Local 802 and these producers have been following. What you are seeing now is 802 trying to muster some public support for their position as they prepare to take this matter to an arbitrator.

If 802 loses this one we might as well just admit that the contract is a farce and there are no actual house minimums in effect.

"I have got to have some professional music!" - Big Edie

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 7:58am

The point is they are REPLACING a part originally written with authentic strings in mind with something that tries to emulate that sound, but to many of us, fails miserably and insults our intelligence while draining our wallets. For shame. (By the way, that was in response to the post claiming musicians aren't important or needed).

Just because an audience doesn't immediately notice or fail to point the finger on what about a production is "off," it doesn't mean that live music isn't important. You have to take into account the overall impression of the piece with its altered music and sound. Its essence and 'character' are altered, sometimes ruining what worked so well before. Sometimes infusing it with an uncomfortable air or presence.

Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.

Updated On: 5/19/11 at 07:58 AM

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 9:12am

I found the sound of this show to be true to its disco feel. And they did go thru the proper channels.

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 11:05am

Take it up with the Broadway League, they're the ones who allowed it.

No, they're not.

When a show wants to hire less than the minimum number of musicians, the first step is to approach the Broadway League. If the Broadway League approves it, THEN they put it before a committee appointed by both the League and 802. That committee is the one that decides whether the show can hire less than the minimum.

So if 802 wants to take it up with anybody, take it up with the committee that they appointed specifically for that purpose.

Side note: the reason a show must go to the League first is because the League does not want any and every show appealing directly to the committee. For one thing, it looks bad in front of the union. For another, if the committee rejects a proposal, that sets a precedent. Currently, almost every (I believe every, but I am not positive) show that goes in front of the committee gets approved, because the League has sort of pre-approved shows that are likely to get approved.

So the League is involved, but they do not make these decisions.

Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent

"He's a tramp, but I love him."

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 5:35pm

Check out the EXCELLENT sounding Sister Act which includes real strings coexisting nicely with disco. It can be done!

#10

Local 802 goes after producers of Priscilla

Posted: 5/19/11 at 11:08pm

Not for nothing, but Spring Awakening utilized digital/prerecorded tracks in many songs. And that won the Tony for Best Orchestrations.

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