| (AFX UK Focus) 2007-11-14 20:38 GMT: In Focus: Broadway strike hits chains
NEW YORK (AP) - The Broadway stagehands' strike may seem like an issue only for local business, but its impact could extend far beyond the Great White Way, as declining foot traffic reduces the number of visitors to the outlets of national chain stores, restaurants and hotels. The walkout, which has closed more than two dozen Broadway theaters, entered its fifth day Wednesday with no negotiations planned. The impasse has left tourists adrift and turned the normally crowded Times Square into a comparative ghost town. During a typical year, visitors spend about $5 billion on entertainment, including Broadway shows and other activities, according to NYC & Co., the city's official marketing and tourism organization. City Comptroller William Thompson estimated the economic impact of the strike at $2 million a day, including total spending on tickets, dining, shopping and other activities.
Broadway Talks Stalled
Most of the Great White Way will remain dark, at least through the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. WNYC's Jaime Bedrin reports. After a weekend of intense meetings, Broadway producers say talks have broken down with striking stagehands. And they're canceling performances through November 25th. Before Saturday, the 2 sides hadn't talked since November 8th. The strike began November 10th. But pressure has been mounting for a solution to the work stoppage, especially since the Thanksgiving holiday week is usually one of Broadway's most lucrative. The stagehands have been working without a contract since the end of July. Negotiations have focused on work rules - how many stagehands are required to open a Broadway show and keep it running. Some of the shows affected by the strike include some of Broadway's biggest hits like "Wicked," "Jersey Boys," and "Mamma Mia!" For WNYC, I'm Jaime Bedrin.
In Focus: Broadway strike hits chains
NEW YORK (AP) - The Broadway stagehands' strike may seem like an issue only for local business, but its impact could extend far beyond the Great White Way, as declining foot traffic reduces the number of visitors to the outlets of national chain stores, restaurants and hotels. The walkout, which has closed more than two dozen Broadway theaters, entered its fifth day Wednesday with no negotiations planned. The impasse has left tourists adrift and turned the normally crowded Times Square into a comparative ghost town. During a typical year, visitors spend about $5 billion on entertainment, including Broadway shows and other activities, according to NYC & Co., the city's official marketing and tourism organization. City Comptroller William Thompson estimated the economic impact of the strike at $2 million a day, including total spending on tickets, dining, shopping and other activities.
(AFX UK Focus) 2007-11-14 21:07 GMT: In Focus: Broadway strike hits chains
NEW YORK (AP) - The Broadway stagehands' strike may seem like an issue only for local business, but its impact could extend far beyond the Great White Way, as declining foot traffic reduces the number of visitors to the outlets of national chain stores, restaurants and hotels. The walkout, which has closed more than two dozen Broadway theaters, entered its fifth day Wednesday with no negotiations planned. The impasse has left tourists adrift and turned the normally crowded Times Square into a comparative ghost town. During a typical year, visitors spend about $5 billion on entertainment, including Broadway shows and other activities, according to NYC & Co., the city's official marketing and tourism organization. City Comptroller William Thompson estimated the economic impact of the strike at $2 million a day, including total spending on tickets, dining, shopping and other activities.
'Grinch' Producer Taking Theater Owner to Court
The producer of Broadway's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' is taking the theater owner to court for shutting the doors in solidarity with the union workers even though a deal has already been made between the producers and the Stagehands union for this particular show. Reporter Ginny Kosola says there is no picket line in front of the St. James Theater. James Sanna, producer of the 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas', says Local 1 called him last night saying they will lift the picket line for this particular show and the stagehands will go back to work here. Sanna says the theater owner has locked out his production. Sanna will be going to court in the morning seeking an injuction to open the show. According to Sanna, 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' isn't part of the Broadway League or the negotiations because it's a separate 10-week production.
Hot picks: 'Avenue Q,' PittStop Lindy Hop, Kellie Pickler
Don't mistake the humans and puppets who live on Avenue Q with those who make their home on the more family-friendly "Sesame Street." The very funny but often outspoken characters of this Tony Award-winning musical are young professionals and aspiring artists with big dreams and tiny bank accounts who are negotiating their way through very adult challenges of relationships, work and personal finance. The colorful, inventive and upbeat musical has been playing on Broadway since it opened there in 2003. The national touring production of Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty's musical opens Tuesday and runs through Nov. 25 at the Benedum Center, Downtown, as a presentation of the PNC Broadway Across America -- Pittsburgh series. .
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