#126
Posted: 11/1/05 at 10:04am
I'm sorry to come back to this. I know we're tired of it, BUT, I just wanted to comment to the person who pointed out that Wicked took over a year of sold-out performance to recoup its investment. I would like to remind that poster of a couple of things- first being Wicked's larger cast, more lavish and expensive production on a weekly basis, and almost $5 million more in pre-production costs. It makes a big difference, from what I understand, that the scenery is virtual. Costs upfront are higher, but weekly costs are lower.
Also, if I might add, there is another small bit of information I used to factor my calculations, and that was "star salary"-- I quoted 20,000.00 per week to both Ball and Friedman. This was a liberal guess, actually, because I'll bet it's less... and let me tell you why.
Our two leading ladies other than Maria originated their roles in London and are both American citizens. The way Equity would have this work would be to guarantee that an "exchange" would occur offering two British actors a chance to perform in the United States. However, they must work for the same salary, no more and no less. This ensures a "true exchange." I'm certain that our unknown ladies in London weren't making a killing, and that salary must be passed down in exact to Ball and Friedman.
Not to say that the stars won't recieve other perks not offered to the Americans in the UK. They'll likely have very nice apartments paid for, transportation, schools for their children (if applicable), and larger 'meal' allowances. Either way it's a good deal for Webber because his "hands are tied" and "can not" pay them more even if he wanted to.
Just a thought.
Also, if I might add, there is another small bit of information I used to factor my calculations, and that was "star salary"-- I quoted 20,000.00 per week to both Ball and Friedman. This was a liberal guess, actually, because I'll bet it's less... and let me tell you why.
Our two leading ladies other than Maria originated their roles in London and are both American citizens. The way Equity would have this work would be to guarantee that an "exchange" would occur offering two British actors a chance to perform in the United States. However, they must work for the same salary, no more and no less. This ensures a "true exchange." I'm certain that our unknown ladies in London weren't making a killing, and that salary must be passed down in exact to Ball and Friedman.
Not to say that the stars won't recieve other perks not offered to the Americans in the UK. They'll likely have very nice apartments paid for, transportation, schools for their children (if applicable), and larger 'meal' allowances. Either way it's a good deal for Webber because his "hands are tied" and "can not" pay them more even if he wanted to.
Just a thought.
