Riedel on vultures circling ‘Great Comet’- Page 12

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:11am

@bear88, the Equity term is "terminate" not "fire" and Oak was terminated as of the Sunday before Mandy's planned arrival. A "buyout" suggests that he was paid something over and above his contractual pay, with that additional amount serving as consideration for some benefit (e.g., a muzzle). 

@Evans2 I would love to know what you find "condescending." I can't imagine what it would be, since all I did was state some observations. The only thing I can conclude is that you find my very presence here condescending, which is your prerogative but not meaningful to me. haterobics explains how you apparently misconstrued my Captain Imperial quip, which may go far in explaining the broader "problem."

[Nicole 10]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:24am

Guys, I know a lot is being said right now but I'm just wondering with fear: I have 8 tickets for the evening of August 31st. Do you think I should be fine for that date? Because if not, I need to get 8 seats for an earlier day ASAP and would really really appreciate any advice from anyone with any info  

[bear88]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:30am

Got it. So for Equity contract purposes, the loaded term - "fire" - doesn't sound terribly significant. It just means they're not paying anything extra, so he keeps quiet or for any other reason. Given the stated reasons of his removal of Onaodowan's removal ["make room for Mandy"], it also wouldn't seem unusual that he would remain in the show until a new actor is ready.

That doesn't explain everything, of course. I don't know if it's more typical to pay something extra (he was being discharged three weeks early, not three months). 

 

Updated On: 8/8/17 at 10:30 AM

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:33am

Nicole 10 said: "I have 8 tickets for the evening of August 31st. Do you think I should be fine for that date?"

If the "Scott for a week, Dave for a week, then ?!?" plan is true, then you are in the ?!? zone between Dave and Labor Day. I mean, depending on your seating preference (if you really want great onstage, high-interaction seats), you should be fine swapping to a date once they announce things, unless you want to go on the final date, which will sell much faster than the others.

If you can move up a week and get Dave, that seems like a solid, safe plan. As safe as any post 8/13 Comet tickets right now, at least...
 

[schubox]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:33am

Does he have to be terminated or cause? Or is it up to them as long as they pay out the remainder of the contract length as it was originally planned?

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:41am

When an actor is not offered a renewal of their contract when the actor wanted it to be, it's often referred to (not by Equity) as being "fired." "Replaced" is usually the preferred euphemism.

Oak, as far as we know it, was "fired" only in the sense that he was not offered a contract renewal after his paid Mandycation. To suggest otherwise without any actual evidence is downright malicious. Stop.

[JayElle]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:43am

Schubox said: "Does he have to be terminated or cause? Or is it up to them as long as they pay out the remainder of the contract length as it was originally planned?"

This site has The O'Henry Report podcast.  It gives insight as to what happened in the Patinkin/Oak matter. It's episode 2 and they discuss this fiasco and how it relates to contracts.  It's about an hour, but the first 2/3 of the podcast is about finding cast members followed by an interview with the assistant director of TGC who discusses rehearsing replacement stars.  The last part is with a general manager who discusses the likely contracts of Oak vs Mandy and what likely happened and answers most of what Schubox asked.  Essentially,  they would have to pay off the contract's term if producer/actor decide to part ways.

The Asst Director discussed how they map out where each actor has to be at any given moment.  That explains all the marked tape I saw on the stage floor.

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:44am

haterobics said: "Nicole 10 said: "I have 8 tickets for the evening of August 31st. Do you think I should be fine for that date?"

If the "Scott for a week, Dave for a week, then ?!?" plan is true, then you are in the ?!? .....

If you can move up a week and get Dave, that seems like a solid, safe plan. As safe as any post 8/13 Comet tickets right now, at least... "

 

Does trpguyy have some inside information on plans or was the"Scott then Dave" just spitballing an idea of what they might do?  People seem to be taking it literally, but i assumed the latter. I certainly wouldn't buy tickets on the basis of what look like a total guess...

[bear88]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:49am

I was under the impression, all along, that he was going to be paid for the remainder of his contract. That may be incorrect, and if it is, someone please correct me. It certainly wasn't portrayed in public statements as termination for cause, unless "cause" can be interpreted as, "You're not selling enough tickets."

[trpguyy]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 10:58am

JustAnotherNewYorker said: "haterobics said: "Nicole 10 said: "I have 8 tickets for the evening of August 31st. Do you think I should be fine for that date?"

If the "Scott for a week, Dave for a week, then ?!?" plan is true, then you are in the ?!? .....

If you can move up a week and get Dave, that seems like a solid, safe plan. As safe as any post 8/13 Comet tickets right now, at least... "

 

Does trpguyy have some inside information on plans or was the"Scott then Dave" just spitballing an idea of what they might do?  People seem to be taking it literally, but i assumed the latter. I certainly wouldn't buy tickets on the basis of what look like a total guess..."

At the time of posting it's the working plan, but as we've seen, things can change pretty quickly. I wouldn't have posted something as fact if it were not so.

[Nicole 10]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:00am

JustAnotherNewYorker said: "haterobics said: "Nicole 10 said: "I have 8 tickets for the evening of August 31st. Do you think I should be fine for that date?"

If the "Scott for a week, Dave for a week, then ?!?" plan is true, then you are in the ?!? .....

If you can move up a week and get Dave, that seems like a solid, safe plan. As safe as any post 8/13 Comet tickets right now, at least... "

 

Does trpguyy have some inside information on plans or was the"Scott then Dave" just spitballing an idea of what they might do?  People seem to be taking it literally, but i assumed the latter. I certainly wouldn't buy tickets on the basis of what look like a total guess..."

At the time of posting it's the working plan, but as we've seen, things can change pretty quickly. I wouldn't have posted something as fact if it were not so.

So does that mean I should try to change the tickets? 

[schubox]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:06am

The Distinctive Baritone said: "When an actor is not offered a renewal of their contract when the actor wanted it to be, it's often referred to (not by Equity) as being "fired." "Replaced" is usually the preferred euphemism.

Oak, as far as we know it, was "fired" only in the sense that he was not offered a contract renewal after his paid Mandycation. To suggest otherwise without any actual evidence is downright malicious. Stop.

 

"

Who are you talking to? It's a discussion board 

[schubox]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:09am

trpguyy said: "JustAnotherNewYorker said: "haterobics said: "Nicole 10 said: "I have 8 tickets for the evening of August 31st. Do you think I should be fine for that date?"

If the "Scott for a week, Dave for a week, then ?!?" plan is true, then you are in the ?!? .....

If you can move up a week and get Dave, that seems like a solid, safe plan. As safe as any post 8/13 Comet tickets right now, at least... "

 

Does trpguyy have some inside information on plans or was the"Scott then Dave" just spitballing an idea of what they might do?  People seem to be taking it literally, but i assumed the latter. I certainly wouldn't buy tickets on the basis of what look like a total guess..."

At the time of posting it's the working plan, but as we've seen, things can change pretty quickly. I wouldn't have posted something as fact if it were not so.

 

"

So I'm theory it would be Scott through the 20th and then Dave? I actually grabbed two Patinkin shows, looks like they'll both be Scott though :/ I've seen Dave do it, but if this is the end I'd like to see him one more time 

[schubox]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:12am

JayElle said: "Schubox said: "Does he have to be terminated or cause? Or is it up to them as long as they pay out the remainder of the contract length as it was originally planned?"

This site has The O'Henry Report podcast.  It gives insight as to what happened in the Patinkin/Oak matter. It's episode 2 and they discuss this fiasco and how it relates to contracts.  It's about an hour, but the first 2/3 of the podcast is about finding cast members followed by an interview with the assistant director of TGC who discusses rehearsing replacement stars.  The last part is with a general manager who discusses the likely contracts of Oak vs Mandy and what likely happened and answers most of what Schubox asked.  Essentially,  they would have to pay off the contract's term if producer/actor decide to part ways.

The Asst Director discussed how they map out where each actor has to be at any given moment.  That explains all the marked tape I saw on the stage floor.

 

"

Thanks for this. Love podcasts, I'll grab this one 

[haterobics]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:13am

Just got a great onstage seat for the 27th, so Dave or finale or both, I'll probably go then... (or move it when there is more detail)

[Notreallysilent 2]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:16am

I wonder when we are going to get this announcement. If they already seem to know the plan why not just announce it. I'm sure the closing statement will increase their ticket sales for the weeks up until the closing. 

[JustAnotherNewYorker]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 11:27am

haterobics said: "Just got a great onstage seat for the 27th, so Dave or finale or both, I'll probably go then... (or move it when there is more detail)"

While they've certainly been allowing refunds for the Mandy shows after the announcement, I haven't seen any indication that if you buy now you can "move it"....

Still, would be nice to know the final day, as I'd like to attend too...(I'm there the 13th and 15th already)

[JayElle]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 12:17pm

The O'Henry podcast essentially said that Mandy probably had an understanding, but not a formally signed contract which enabled him to walk. They also said Oak likely had a term contract. They said bad communications caused this problem.  

I bought Mandy tkts but telecharge refunded them once he bolted.  How many shows actually close in 48 hours?  I thought they give a few weeks' notice to bring in additional sales.  I would think the investors would do what they could to keep it going. I wonder how this will affect Oak in the future, or will he become box office poison for being unreliable.

I keep hoping they'll come up with someone.  And Denee bolted the 2nd act?? Wow.

Stage seats are neat b/c it's only time I'll ever be on a Bway stage.

 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 12:24pm

I think the most interesting news here is that Benton didn't do Act 2. Curious what that is. Seems a tad unprofessional if it was because of this casting and not for any other reason. 

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 12:26pm

JayElle said: "This site has The O'Henry Report podcast.  It gives insight as to what happened in the Patinkin/Oak matter. It's episode 2 and they discuss this fiasco and how it relates to contracts."

Here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ohenry-report/id1261146501?mt=2

[HogansHero]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 12:33pm

@bear88 he is being paid for the remainder (3 weeks) of his contract. This is not a for cause termination. Were it, (a) we would be reading about a hearing that is being held and (b) one would think he would not be in the show after the advent of the " cause." 

@Baritone "fired" in the sense that he is being terminated prematurely. Not being renewed is something else. Oak's termination (aka fire) date is 8/13, not 3 weeks later. He will receive his final paycheck (including the last 3 weeks plus the current week) in the earlier pay cycle.

[Rainah]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 12:41pm

Denee was fighting an illness around that time - just because she didn't look sick doesn't mean she wasn't. It's ridiculous to speculate like that based on her merely missing act two, something that happens regularly on broadway (Hell, just last week brandon didn't even make it to intermission at Hamilton)

[JayElle]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 1:07pm

Whoa....Brandon didn't get thru 1st act? That must've been weird having a new Ham come on stage w/o explanation.  I met someone a couple of weeks ago who said his performance wasn't very good.  She said he performed as if "he called it in," meaning he had little passion or interest.  Maybe he's tired of it all.

I found the O'Henry podcast on this website.  It was a good explanation of the mess.

[MyLife]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 1:14pm

^Brandon is Burr, not Hamilton

[JayElle]

Posted: 8/8/17 at 2:08pm

Yes, you're right.  My bad.  I've seen him enough I should've remembered. Be it Burr or Ham, how bizarre to have someone else come out in in the middle of the act. I would've loved to have seen  the audience reaction.