TONY N' TINA's WEDDING Drama Round 2: Negotiations Between Local 802 and Producers Stall
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As previously reported, the off-Broadway production of Tony N' Tina's Wedding became plagued with drama severAl Weeks ago, after Local 802 - the union representing professional musicians - filed suit with the National Labor Relations Board against the producers of the production, claiming that they breached their contract with the union by shutting out their members from the show since October 17th, replacing them with a musical track.
In a news release, the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, claims that they had renewed a three-year agreement with Kim and Sonny Ricciardi of Big Apple Entertainment - who recently took over as producers of the show - requiring the use of 802 members' services. According to the New York Times report, on the evening of the show's October 17th performance, the musicians were locked out of the show and denied access to instruments and other belongings. This was after the Ricciardi's reportedly paid the musicians for the October 10 performance and even requested that they to learn a new song for show's October 17th production.
Mary Landolfi, the president of Local 802 called the producers' actions "unconscionable" in a statement.
Variety is now reporting that, in what is turning into an episode of he said/she said, the producers were supposed to meet with the union yesterday to negotiate but failed to show up. Producer Kim Ricciardi claims a meeting was never set.
Variety writes: "Kim Ricciardi said their deal to produce "Tony" is with the worldwide rights holder and not the most recent producers of the show, arguing that the old 802 contract is therefore not binding."
The union has organized two demonstrations outside the Edison Ballroom where Tony N' Tina's Wedding plays on Saturday evenings.
To read the report in Variety in its entirety, click here.
Since opening February 14th, 1988 in New York City has played over 100 cities worldwide, including Japan, Australia and many European cities. At Tony n' Tina's Wedding, audience members actually play the roles of Tony n' Tina's family and/or friends. The evening allows audience members to eat, drink, dance, converse and allow themselves to be caught up in the activities.
Tony N' Tina's Wedding runs on Saturday Nights at the Vinnie Black's Coliseum at the Edison Hotel in Times Square. Tickets are $87 (plus $6.95 service charges and tax); VIP Tickets: $125 (plus $7.75 service charges and tax) The VIP package includes upfront seats, unlimited champagne, an appetizer, and gelato.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tonylovestina.com.
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