First off, none of this should be a surprise to anyone involved in the show. Literally everyone who knows anything about Broadway understands these houses have minimums for the orchestras.
I do wonder if anyone knows whether this music really cannot be played in whole or in part by a live band. If it really, truly has to be pre-recorded, then I do think there is probably a case to make that this show should get a waiver and let it proceed as conceived (or potentially negotiate a small minimum). I just don't know if that's the case. But while it would be tough for the musicians, a lot of other theater people have been and will be employed by this show if it can open.
For Broadway to be financially viable over the long-term it may need to continue to find ways to be flexible and adapt at a time when inflation is very high and costs are skyrocketing, including the cost of tickets for theater-goers, while also ensuring theater professionals are paid a fairly for their talents and work.
All that said, there is simply no way that this show can be allowed to set a new precedent or kick off a trend that it's ok for musicals to use canned orchestras. An exception to the rule is ok in unique circumstances, and I'm sure there lots of room to debate the minimums in the next contract negotiations, but it is a legit worry that producers would do anything to save a dollar with smaller or pre-taped orchestras if they could (see recent comments from Cameron Macintosh about Phantom's amazing orchestra). How many musicals will have an "artistic choice" to be pre-taped in the future if we're not careful? And as we know from several recent productions it is so glorious when you have a 20+ piece orchestra playing a beautiful score, and when robust ticket sales allow those shows to flourish and continue on.
Many mixed feelings on this and will be interesting to see how it plays out, so to speak. |
