UPDATES FOR READERS OF "THE BUSINESS OF BROADWAY"

October 1, 2015

Chapter (Actors): Actors' Equity has just concluded negotiations for its new Production (Broadway) contract which means that salaries will go up and some rules will change. Nothing has been published, but stay tuned to our update page.

Chapter (Mgrs): The Shubert Organization made changes in staffing at 7 of its Broadway theatres, retiring 7 house managers and replacing them with new ATPAM managers.

Chapter (Surprises): Jersey Boys surpasses Miss Saigon on the list of long-running shows.

Chapter (Tony Awards): As expected, a good number of shows closed before July 4th following losses at the Tony Awards. The first casualty of the post-Tony season seems to be Amazing Grace with lack-luster word-of-mouth.

Chapter (Investors): Subsidiary rights income for original Broadway investors should be significant for this year's crop of top producing choices at regional theaters, led by Disgraced, Peter and the Starcatcher,and Outside Mullingar.

Chapter (Actors): The cast of the monster hit Hamilton has petitioned its producers for a share of 1% of the profits. The producers said no but offered a bonus of $35,000 per actor who participated in the development of the show. The show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is reportedly on the side of the actors. A precedent exists from Broadway's first workshop production of A Chorus Line (1975) when creator Michael Bennett and Equity agreed on 3/4% of profits to be shared by the cast whose personal stories were used to write the script during a year-long rehearsal process. Many of these actors argue to this day that they deserved more.

Chapter (Tony Awards): Dates have been announced for 2016 award season. Shows that officially open by Tuesday May 26 will be eligible. Nominations will be announced on Friday May 29. The telecast will be on CBS-TV on Sunday June 5th. The location of the 2016 Tony's is unknown since Radio City Music Hall is not available.

Fall/Winter 2015 season: To date, the following shows are expected to open on Broadway...

Sept 27: Spring Awakening (musical revival)

Oct 6: Old Times (play revival)

Oct 8: Fool for Love (play revival)

Oct 13: The Gin Game (play revival)

Oct 15: Sylvia (play revival)

Oct 22: Dames At Sea (musical revival? This is its first Broadway production)

Oct 29: Therese Raquin (new play)

Nov 1: King Charles III (new play)

Nov 5: On Your Feet (new musical)

Nov 8: Allegiance (new musical)

Nov 12: A View From the Bridge (play revival)