Shows That May Not Re- Open After Strike?

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:06pm

Does anyone know, historically, which shows have closed permanently after a strike in the past? For example, after the musician's strike in 2003, did any shows fail to re- open? Which shows?

Just hypothesizing on which shows may not be able to withstand the strike this time around.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:09pm

It really depends on how long it lasts. Anything we say will just be speculation.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:11pm

I agree. That is why my question had to do with HISTORICALLY what had happened in 2003 or 1975. How could asking which shows had closed during previous stirkes welcome speculation?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:12pm

The producers have all been setting aside a certain percentage of ticket sales for months now (millions of dollars) in preparation for this strike, so every show should be OK for a couple of weeks. Past that, it's anybody's guess.

[billynj]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:12pm

Young FrankenSTIFF ...lol i just had to say that again

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:14pm

Thank you for that info, Margo. Do you know if, due to a previous strike, any shows failed to re- open or were extremely affected in their sales so their run was greatly abbreviated?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 2:22pm

I can't remember the exact names, but I seem to recall that at least a couple have closed in the past.

I wouldn't worry too much though. Since nobody's having to be paid (stagehands, actors, musicians, etc...) the producers only have to worry about covering fixed costs like insurance, so as long as this doesn't go on much more than a week or two (and a lot of people are speculating this should be over by Thanksgiving), I think every show should re-open.

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 3:58pm

I thought the League has contingency funds for when shows are affected by strikes and they foot the bill, not the producers of the individual shows?

[Thesbijean]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 4:08pm

Margo, everybody DOES indeed get paid to the best of my knowledge, everyone except the stagehands cause they are on strike.

Actors, musicians, ushers, stage managers, etc all have to report to work and sign in, and they get their weekly paycheck as long as they have come to work at every performance.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 4:09pm

I know the League has a huge war chest that is supposed to be in the tens of millions, but I've also heard that some producers have also gone to their investors and set aside funds as well.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:35pm

If the strike goes on for a week or 2 I doubt The Seafarer will even open.

I think Spelling Bee will also throw in the towel earlier than it is supposed to.

[Neverandy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:37pm

according to Playbill, Spelling Bee is Open. It actually might benefit from the strike

[theatreguy]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:38pm

Spelling Bee is not affected by the strike. I imagine they're doing better business than usual this weekend.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:40pm

SPELLING BEE sold out its matinee and evening performances today.

[Liverpool]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:41pm

i smell an extension




lol

[jake6970]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:41pm

So is there any chance of this thing ending by next saturday?

[Liverpool]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:42pm

there is any chance.

[Colle]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:57pm

If the strike last long(past Thanksgiving and into the holiday season), I suspect "Les Miserables" may not reopen.

[Liverpool]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 7:59pm

its not gonna last that long. thanks giving is still almsot 2 weeks away. there's no way this is gonna go one much more than a week, if it goes that long.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 8:00pm

Oh. Dear. Heavens. Please. Don't. Let. "The. Longest. Running. Show. Ever. In. The. Entire. World!" Close.

Updated On: 11/10/07 at 08:00 PM

[Boq101]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 9:42pm

WannaBe, I forgot I had said that in your sig, I was trying to figure out who said it until I saw my name underneath...guess I was right after all.

Anyway, I hope the strike at least lets people explore a bit, there's still a LOT of good stuff out there.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:04pm

Young Frankenstein may become a monster hit if the strike lasts a long time. It has a copious theater which will be filled every night by tourists wanting to see something. And the only competition is Xanadu and Mary Poppins. Hmmmmm.....

In 1937, "Babes in Arms" was bombing big time until the heatwave, when all the other musicals in non air-conditioned theaters closed. For three months it was the ONLY musical in town. You get a lot of press when you're the only (or one of the only) shows playing.

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:08pm

Wanna Be a Foster...I LOVE that im in your signature!

[joniray]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:19pm

Ah, the irony. The main ammunition that the union has is escalating ticket prices fueled by Brooks’ ridiculous pricing strategy and yet he is the one who stands to benefit the most financially from the strike.

(P.S., for those looking for a Broadway musical, Spelling Bee is also an option along with Xanadu and Mary Poppins)

[BroadwayBound86]

Posted: 11/10/07 at 11:31pm

A friend of mine is involved in the theater community and through her she mention something about Jersey Boys as well. Not sure what that has to do with anything though.