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Broadway Update

Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-02-11 18:21

Thank you for all your support. All of the musicians on Broadway appreciate your concern during our negotiations, and the future of live music on Broadway. Please sign the petition that has been circulated on the BB and other websites.

"Broadway Update -- Friday, February 7th
RECENT ARTICLES THIS WEEK ON NEGOTIATIONS -

1. NEW YORK POST ARTICLE (2/5/03) (Broadway fight is on -- Musicians come out swinging at talks)
http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/68427.htm

2. NEW YORK TIMES ARTCLE (2/5/03) (Showdown Over Orchestra Size Looms on Broadway)
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/02/05/arts/theater/05MINI.html?th

3. BROADWAY MUSICIANS WILL BE LEAFLETING AT THE TKTS BOOTH (47TH and
BROADWAY) WE NEED PEOPLE TO SHOW UP AT THE TIMES BELOW (IF YOUR ORCHESTRA IS NOT LISTED, COME AT ANY TIME YOU WISH AND STAY AS LONG AS YOU ARE ABLE!)

LEAFLETING TIMES
SATURDAY, Feb. 8th
11:30 - 12:30pm BEAUTY & THE BEAST (ORCHESTRA)
12:30 - 1:30pm FLOWER DRUM SONG
5:00 - 6:00pm AIDA
6:00 - 7:00pm LA BOHEME
SUNDAY, FEB 9th
11:30 - 12:30pm URINETOWN
12:30 - 1:30pm 42nd STREET**POSSIBLE PRESS COVERAGE AT THIS TIME
1:30pm - 2:30pm MILLIE

4. THE SUB COMMITTEES FROM BOTH THE LEAGUE AND THE UNION WILL BE MEETING ON
TUESDAY, FEB. 11TH TO DEAL WITH HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES AND A FULL
NEGOTIATING SESSION IS SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH."

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RE: Broadway Update

Author: Don Berger
Date: 2003-02-12 01:40

Sure wish we could give help, JJM. I follow this to a degree by reading Intl. Musician [am Inactive at Local 94 Tulsa], Feb. issue has pages on it! I readily get the derogotory essence of "Virtual Orchestra", another continuing employment battle, but we all could use some definitions of the words being used. Our local [Tulsa]Philharmonic is in deep trouble, the Tulsa Opera not real healthy, and the two are working toward joining for survival and as much pro employment as possible, 94 is doing all it can. My daughter-in-law sings parts and chorus for San Jose Opera, they are surviving, but with difficulties also. I never earned much playing [not that good], pay to play now!, but do feel for today's money-earners. Don

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RE: Broadway Update

Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-02-12 04:14

Hi Don:
Thanks for your interest.
This article in Newsday, sheds some light on the difficult negotiations at hand. Hope it helps.
JJM

http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/local/newyork/ny-ffwiner3111514feb02,0,3418388.column

[Text of article deleted. John, we can't reproduce an entire copyrighted article here. The link above is sufficient. Mark C.]

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RE: Broadway Update

Author: Jim Mougey
Date: 2003-02-12 11:01

This problem recalls the strike of the musicians with the Ringling Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus. John Ringling North spoke out saying the show didn't need live music, records would do just fine. The band went on strike on directions from the union, North and star performers assisted in ring set-ups, recorded music blared forth and the show opened in New York to a record setting audience. Many now see this as the demise of the circus band and it is so. BMI and ASCAP fees for performance can be a factor in cost.

Jim(M)

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RE: Broadway Update

Author: John J. Moses
Date: 2003-02-12 13:33

Thanks Mark, will do in the future.
JJM

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RE: Broadway Update

Author: Allen Cole
Date: 2003-02-13 15:48

Good point, Jim. In Richmond, AFM 123 pretty much ejected itself from the the dinner theatres by pushing minimums during the early 1980's. Never satisifed with doing something halfway, it proceeded to get booted from the regional theatres and most working bands by 1990. Today, it covers only the symphony orchestra and the two largest theatre venues. I remember them fining my clarinet teacher $500.00 for playing with a regional theatre after the local had long lost the capacity to send him any real work.

You are also correct about those ASCAP and BMI fees. I toured with a revue in 1999 which had a cast of 7, a band of 5, and very simple staging/costuming. I was told by the music director that the show's major backbreaker was in paying for performance rights to the songs--all fairly familiar--from the 1920's and 1930's. Of six theatres who coproduced, I believe that only 2 saw a profit.

I'd hate to see Broadway go canned, but the AFM does not deal well with reality. They could probably learn a lot from Equity.

Musicians at 802 might also be cirumspect about the consequences of some of their studio work.

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