I never expected to be expending so much Chicago pixel-ink on New York's stagehands' strike, but more than one Chicagoan—and I'm not talking about theater people—asked me over this Thanksgiving break for news on the Broadway work stoppage and whether or not it could affect theater here (obviously they're not reading the TOC blog or they'd know that it could conceivably have an impact in Chicago if it continues much longer).
The two sides sat down again for talks today, for the first time since last weekend. As of this writing (11pm central time), there are no updates at either of the most reliable sources, the Times theater section and NY1. But do read the excellent breakdown of the issues in Sunday's Times, a team-up between theater reporter Campbell Robertson and business/labor guy Steven Greenhouse.
While you're at the Times website, check out Sunday's nifty profile of Steppenwolf ensemble member Martha Plimpton, currently in previews for Lincoln Center's Cymbeline, which focuses on her journey from Goonie to classical actor and improbably includes a link to her MySpace page.
In theater-web news closer to home, Signal Ensemble Theatre has started a blog of its own; I've added it to the list of Blogs by Chicago Theaters at right. If there are more that I'm missing, let me know.
did you hear what's coming up on Ms. Plimpton's dance card? the Broadway premiere of Caryl Churchill's Top Girls (also starring Marisa Tomei)!
Posted by: Mike from Philly | November 28, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Hey Kris, thanks for the mention! And glad to hear the strike is about to be settled. Being currently non-union, but also a producer myself, I can't help but agree with both sides. Have you had any other Chicago theater folks express similar sentiments? Thanks again!
Posted by: Prentice | December 02, 2007 at 04:27 PM