Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Will Broadway go dark today?

Before I continue, here are some links... they are a read of considerable concern for all those working on Broadway, and the audiences on their way in to see shows:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/10/nyregion/10bway.html?ref=arts

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/111755.html

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=a0tX1Dl__4mA

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117973753.html?categoryid=15&cs=1

Needless to say, I'm worried.

Last night, I arrived at the theatre not knowing if we were going to perform or not, and the last bit of news I heard was that it was very possible that a lockout could take place, effectively shutting out everyone that's reponsible for putting on a show every night: cast, musicians, wardrobe people, and the stagehands.  The stagehands are members of IATSE Local 1, and are currently in contract negotiations with the League of American Theaters and Producers.

At the moment we're going day to day... we don't know if we're going to have a performance today... we don't know if we're going to be allowed in the theatre or not.  We don't know what the rest of the week will hold if a lockout takes place.  I had to take home my more important personal items from my dressing room, just in case.

Keep your fingers crossed that the curtains rise on all the Broadway shows that fall under the League.  No one wants to see Broadway go dark.

20 comments:

Paolo Dy said...

oh my god.

this is one kind of drama that we *don't* need on the Great White Way....

Dana Cosio-Mercado said...

Second in under five years? Sad. Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

tin samson said...

this is the first i've heard about this. thanks for the update.
so sad.. i'm hoping for the best and keeping my fingers crossed!

Kay Habana said...

Thanks.

Chari Arespacochaga said...

did you go on?

Chari Arespacochaga said...

did you go on?

Tanya Yuson said...

Wow. A physical lockdown - compared to this, the WGA writer's strike seems so passive. ;) Hope the negotiations go smoothly for everyone's sake.

james belleza said...

It's so Marxist. Leninist, and Mao Tse Tsungist...

Ian Tarrant said...

well i hope everything works out because i am flying out to see you perform on oct 20! good luck!

Paolo Dy said...

On the flip side... it's always good for the technical people on the perceived "lower rungs" of the ladder to have a say. Too often they're the first ones who are abused, work hours- and money-wise. Here in Manila I still think some form of effective union or guild should be formed for film technicians (camera and lighting crew, etc.) for instance... some organization that'll help them get health benefits, pensions, and so on.

But again it's a balance thing. Power does corrupt. For this all to work, there should still be, from all sides, an overwhelming and united adherence to the spirit of "the show must go on!"

Mrs. O . said...

So sad....It's too bad really.....What ever happened to job security? I pray negotiations result in a win-win for all involved. Hang in there, Lea!

Alvin Trono said...

Whoa... this is so intense. Keep us posted on the developments. Shine still despite the conditions you are in. :-)

Rocky Brown said...

Yayks Lea....thanks for keeping your website updated. I had tickets to come and see you but family situations did not allow me to come to New York this year.
However, I gave my tickets away to my cousins who are your greatest fans and are soooo excited to see you perform.
I hope that it all works out for everyone.
I will always check your website to keep myself posted with your schedule. I hope to see you in one of your performances.
Please say hello to your mom for me.

arkitekfhc . said...

Que horror.. not another one. I remember what happened during Flower Drum. Well...I wish the unions and producers resolve their issues ASAP, especially before the 21st!! If it happens on the 21st...will you extend your stay?

Bob Guerrero said...

Wow I guess this sort of thing happens wherever there are employees and employers. Even on Broadway. Hope it all works out.

Lea Salonga said...

So far we've done every show this week. It's now Thursday... and we have no word as to what's going on. Actors Equity members have been instructed to report for work regardless of the situation, so whatever happens, I'll be at the theater. If there's a lockout, I'll be playing TextTwist on my phone. Or texting you.

ima castro said...

Oh dear...I hope everything gets sorted out so everybody will be happy!!!
More power!

Keith Madridejos said...

This is unbelievable. But this time we know, this things happen in Broadway. It can happen somewhere else.Good luck.

Gerry Nepomuceno said...

Wasn't there a similar lockout with the musicians or orchestra staff while you were doing Flower Drum Song in 2003? I remember that fateful week when the show closed and I had to reschedule seeing the show for the following month. But I do remember the performers supporting the cause.

marck hernandez said...

i hope the League and the Union would come to an agreement soon. hey i really liked The Flower Drum Song!!! the melody of "a hundred million miracles" got stuck through my head for days after seeing your show. After Cindy, be Elphaba on Wicked naman please? please? please? and to those whom are yet to see her on LeaMiz, i highly and proudly recommend you watch it bago sya umalis... i had goosebumps the way Lea sang "I Dreamed a Dream."