Broadway shows go on despite stalled talks

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Newsday

By Justin Rocket Silverman

The league representing Broadway theaters said the show will go, but nobody knew Thursday night whether theatergoers will be left with nothing to see as tense negotiations continued.

The League of American Theatres and Producers could effectively shut down 35 Broadway theaters by calling for a lockout of union carpenters, electricians, and stagehands.

Even as productions continued Thursday night, the league and the union Thursday night appeared no closer to settling a months-long dispute, centered mostly on employment levels.


A sign advertising the musical "Spamalot" is seen in New York's Broadway Theater District October 10, 2007 in New York City. A dispute over wages between New York theater producers and a stagehands is threatening to close dozens of Broadway shows. (Getty Images / October 11, 2007)

"The focus is on trying to get an agreement, not a lockout," said league spokeswoman Ilyse Fink. "The league does not want a work stoppage."

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