kadleck

The union doesn't have the right to tell them anything. Although theaters have "minimums", in 1993 a clause was adopted called, "Special Situations" This says that if a producer wants to bring in a show based on say, "The Doors", he/she shouldn't be forced to hire a full orchestra. I don't think anyone would complain about that.

However, when Elton John brought in "Aida", I was one of close to 90 musicians that played on the cast recording. When the actual show came in, he complained that he only wanted one violin - that the "sound" he heard in his head was one violin doubled by synth strings. If that was the case, why did he have about 30 violins on the album. He won his 'special situation" at arbitration. The show ran almost 5 years - with one violin & no trumpets (3 were on the recording session).

Unions are here for a reason. NOT to abuse power, but to protect jobs. In 2003, musicians lost 30% of jobs on broadway.

Let's face it, the american public is not the most arts-savvy. I've seen people go to a NY City Ballet performance of "Nutcracker" and not care at all that it was on tape. Same with the Radio City Xmas Show". THAT (unfortunately) is "what the market will bear". Should we just give up?

TK