Theater/Symphony
Broadway Stagehand Strike to Continue Through Thanksgiving Weekend
By Orion Baxter Holly

Nov 20, 2007

Broadway favorite Maxwell Caufield

The stagehand strike that has shut down Broadway theatres for the last couple of weeks is set to continue through the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday weekend - traditionally the busiest time in the New York theatre calendar.

This announcement confirms that some 27 theatres along the Great White Way will remain dark this week much to the dismay of many holiday travelers. The good news however is that the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees' Local One and the League of American Theatres and Producers may resume negotiations this weekend "at an undisclosed place and time."  

Talks between union and theatre representatives reportedly broke down late Sunday night after representatives were unable to come to an agreement on the number of stagehands needed for each show.

According to statements released by the League of American Theatres and Producers, many shows can earn as much as $1 million dollars per day, which means the strike is costing some $17 million dollars a day, not taking into account its devastating ripple effects on restaurants and theatre district business that rely on Broadway’s steady stream of patrons in order to survive.  

With the extension of the strike for yet another week, it is becoming likely that at least a few shows will be forced to close. According to Stage News, the producers of the children’s holiday show How The Grinch Stole Christmas have already said they will close if the strike runs through Thanksgiving (November 22), although there has been no announcement officially as of yet, and others may soon follow suit, especially those with limited runs or with major stars who will have to leave as scheduled due to other commitments.  

Already Conor McPherson’s The Seafarer and Aaron Sorkin’s The Farnsworth Invention have had to postpone their opening dates, as will The Steppenwolf company’s August: Osage County. Additionally, a production of Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming, which was due to begin previews this week, will now be delayed.  

Another group being affected is Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which during this time of year, solicits donations from Broadway and Off-Broadway audiences at the close of almost every show.  

The stagehand strike is the second in less than five years to shut down Broadway after a four day musicians' strike in 2003. The previous agreement between the union and theatre owners expired at the end of July.