This Strike probably just shut down 4-5 broadway shows — Page 2

i hope the strike won't affect limited runs like the Homecoming, Cyrano, or Is He Dead?. I'd hate to see show like Rent or Drowsy leave without allowing their true fans to enjoy them one final time.

---

And, the word is LOSE.

---

As for Legally Blonde closing, I doubt it. Correct me if I am wrong, but the show went into the SF and NYC run with million dollars more than needed. I heard that somewhere along the lines 14 million was raised but only needed about 10-12 million.A big article here in SF stated that the producers raised much more money than needed, so I think they will be fine.

---

The League is not negotiating. Both sides started negotiations with their ideas of a new contract. Local ONE has conceded on many points trying to come to the middle. The producers have not budged. Instead of negotiating they imposed work rules on the union. The only option left to Local ONE was to strike or continue working under these work rules(Which we did for 19 days). The union did not strike to piss off the audience. This was the only LEGAL recourse left to the union. The Producers have stated many times during negotiations that they want to increase their profits. They are not losing money and trying to swing a profit. They are completely unwilling to move from their FIRST and FINAL offer. The union cannot give in to these bullying demands. I am very sorry about everyone who is affected by this strike. I personally do not know how I am going to pay my mortgage this month. But I stand by my union and continue to stand on the picket lines until this is resolved. And I am really tired of trying to be nice to slandering idiots like "fengSHILLnyc".

Is it even possible for a show to close DURING the strike? Without the ability to load out their sets, costumes, sound and lighting equipment, etc. wouldn't they have to continue paying for the maintenance and what not of the theater?

And why would Grinch announce a closing so soon? I mean sure, they lost 15 performances this week, but they beat Wicked's grosses for 3 straight weeks last year around Christmas. How much could they be losing weekly that they would be willing to throw in the towel on the last sold out 6 weeks of the run? Same thing with most of the other shows that were mentioned. Why wouldn't they bother to reopen and try to turn a profit and make up some of the lost money?

Okay so I fully understand that this isn't the most important thing here, but...

now I can't see Mermaid.

---

Craftymarley: The reason a show with a limited run would consider closing is because they counted on X number of weeks in which to make back their money and some profit. At some point, the loss in performances will mean that it is just not possible for them to recoup their investment. Cyrano only had 10 weeks of performances and with this latest cancellation, they will have lost two full weeks of that run.

"I would think $20 million would be able to cover the costs for the 27 theaters for at least a month or two."

I agree, unless the Union also shuts down the tours and a brave ticketbuyer starts a civil suit against the League for its fraudulant theater restoration fee.

Well, the Grinch will be open this week(and for the remainder of its run).

The shows that will likely close due to the strike are Les Miz, Drowsy, Legally Blonde, Spelling Bee(already announced) & Rent.

If the strike continues into December, shows that might be in danger are Avenue Q, A Chorus Line, Chicago, Spamalot & The Color Purple.

---

FYI --

While I can't confirm this independently, I thought I'd pass on that I just heard from someone who works for a company that rents lighting, sound and scenery to Broadway shows who told me that the producers are not paying their rentals because of the strike. If that's true, then their fixed costs are even lower than previously believed and the producers could truly hold out for a very long time.

---

Updated On: 11/19/07 at 12:31 PM

"FYI --

While I can't confirm this independently, I thought I'd pass on that I just heard from someone who works for a company that rents lighting, sound and scenery to Broadway shows who told me that the producers are not paying their rentals because of the strike. If that's true, then their fixed costs are even lower that previously believed and the producers could truly hold out for a very long time."

That would be interesting...but that doesn't mean it is legal. They may have agreements with those companies to defer payment, since they have no income and no means to actually remove the equipment.

As I said, I can't confirm it -- but I also don't find it at all hard to believe, which is why I posted it. Just take it as gossip if you want, though you're right it could very well be some sort of deferred payment plan between the company and the producers. Given how much business that company probably gets from these major producers, it would make sense that they would work out a deal with them while the strike is going on.

---

Yes, limited runs like Cyrano and the Grinch won't be able to recoup their entire cost, but if they re-open for a couple of weeks, they'd at least have a chance to offset a few hundred thousand dollars more of the loss and return that to the investors (and actually the Grinch will get the benefit of those incredibly lucrative sold out weeks around Xmas). If they don't re-open at all, they lose everything. Why wouldn't they try to recover at least SOME of the money their investors will lose?

So basically for a show with either a threat of closing in the near future, a closing notice or a short run the dilemma the producers must face is weighing the loss of money of either:

a. Closing the show immediately and not having to pay for insurance, stipends, utilities, theater upkeep etc.

vs.

b. Staying "open" until the strike is over and hoping the possible profit post-strike will outweigh the costs inferred during the strike (minus operating costs)?