The Boy From Oz Reaches Deal With Equity

[Plum]

Posted: 7/11/04 at 11:28pm

One less show to worry about.
From the New York Times

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 12:02am

"It was unclear how many other shows might sign individual deals with the union. Mr. Bernstein said that all of the other Broadway shows except "Oz" had signed his interdependence document, but Mr. Eisenberg said several other producers had expressed some interest in making deals. The decision by the producers of "Oz" to break with the league is likely an attempt at self-preservation. A strike, especially a prolonged one, would likely be the death knell for some weak-selling shows."


I wonder if we'll shortly be seeing deals from "Caroline" and "Wonderful Town" and "Frozen" and others that wouldn't be able to re-open if there were a strike? Big shows like "Wicked" probably have more of an incentive to hold out a bit longer since they'll be touring for years.

And "Avenue Q," which has already recouped on Broadway and frankly wouldn't necessarily need Equity actors for it's Vegas show is also in a very unique position. They could close up shop in New York, tell Equity to take a flying leap and head out to that theatre Steve Wynn is specially building for them, hire some non-union puppeteers from Sesame Street (how many puppeteers are Equity anyway?), and pocket the $5 - 7 million Wynn has guaranteed them.

Updated On: 7/12/04 at 12:02 AM

[jo]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 12:49am

The deal is understandable as THE BOY FROM OZ has already posted a closing notice for September 12.

Many people have bought tickets to the show hoping to see it before it closes ( as well as those who only became aware of the show from the TONY telecast), and I'm sure that was also taken into consideration when the producers agreed to a temporary deal with Equity.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 12:52am

As my mother and brother are flying in Saturday just to see OZ, this makes me selfishly VERY happy.

The lowdown on AVE Q was very interesting, Margo - that could be interesting to watch if the situation arises.

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 1:15am

Good to know that Hugh will still be shakin' it...

[Plum]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 9:21am

I vaguely remember Jackman opening an Equity rally a few months ago. Am I completely deluded? It seems funny since they wouldn't let him and the cast of Oklahoma into the U.S. back in 1998.