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Special Situation Report,  Negotiations, Good To  Know  April 21,  2008
Cry Baby Special Situation Request Withdrawn 

 

The producers of the Broadway musical Cry Baby have withdrawn their special situation request for the show, which is currently in previews at the Marriot Marquis Theatre. As a result three additional musicians will be hired and added to the orchestra effective back to the first service at the theatre. The show is set to open April 24.

 

The decision came after two meetings of the show's producers with representatives from Local 802 and the League of American Theatres and Producers. After a review of the show's score by Local 802 representatives, Local 802 argued that Cry Baby's producers had failed to demonstrate that a smaller orchestra was required based on the musical needs of the show.  Our representatives also attended previews which confirmed their opinion. 

 

During the past decade Local 802 along with Broadway's musical teams have strongly argued that replacing musicians with synthesized recorded material poses a threat to everyone employed in the theatre.

 

President Landolfi hailed the decision, telling ALLEGRO, "This is most of all a victory for live musical theatre and for all of us who want to see live theatre prosper and continue to attract audiences from around the world. I don't think we can count on audiences continuing to pay top-dollar for musicals that are turned into karaoke," said Landolfi.  "I think the producers of Cry Baby and the League made the right decision in withdrawing this special situation request."

 

Equity Talks Begin
AEA
 
Actors Equity and the League of American Theatres and Producers start talks for a new contract this week. The Actors Equity contract on Broadway expires on May 31. This bargaining unit is the one which the has often set the pattern for settlements throughout the Broadway community. Everyone hopes these talks result in an agreement more easily than the recent IATSE Local One talks where agreement was reached only after a nineteen day stoppage.
 
Should you have questions please don't hesitate to  call the 802 Theatre Department Business Representative Marisa Friedman at 212 245-4802 x130 or e-mail mfriedman@local802afm.org
802 Notes can be reached by sending an e-mail to 802notes@local802afm.org .
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Good To Know

As a member of the union you are entitled to representation and services when you go to work on any theatrical project. Regional Theater and Off Broadway employment are both growing.  This work is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement already  in the same way that Broadway work is covered.  The Off Broadway standards agreement has to be signed by each production in order for your wages to be guaranteed and the health benefits and pension contributions paid and accepted. 

 

No agreement means no guarantees, no pension, no health and welfare.  When you accept an engagement for this type of show (please!) call the union, or write an e-mail to put in motion the process to get an Off Broadway Area standards agreement in place. 

 

When you are already at work most of your leverage is gone. Please call Mary Donovan at ext. 156 or e-mail mdonovan@local802afm.org for Off Broadway Theatre assistance.

 

All music prep work arrangements, orchestrations and copying require an agreement to be signed for benefit contributions to be collected. Contact Steve Danenberg in the 802 Music Preparation Dept. at ext. 119 sdanenberg@local802afm.org for assistance.