Broadway musicians threaten to strike Thursday as mediation begins to resolve contract dispute

Broadway musicians threatened Tuesday to strike beginning Thursday morning absent a new contract, potentially shuttering nearly two dozen musicals, with the additional prospect of more closures of plays if actors and stage managers also decide to strike.

The musicians’ threat "to strike immediately," by 1,600 workers represented by American Federation of Musicians Local 802, comes as mediation begins Wednesday between that union and commercial producers and theaters, represented by The Broadway League, according to a union news release.

The affected musicals are “& Juliet, "Aladdin," "Beetlejuice," "The Book of Mormon," "Buena Vista Social Club," "Chess," "Chicago," "Death Becomes Her," "The Great Gatsby," "Hadestown, "Hamilton," "Hell’s Kitchen," "Just in Time," "The Lion King," "Mamma Mia!," "Maybe Happy Ending," "Operation Mincemeat," "MJ," "Moulin Rouge!," "The Outsiders," "The Queen of Versailles," "SIX" and "Wicked," the union said in the release, which threatens the strike.

At issue for the musicians are "fair wage increases that reflect Broadway’s success and the protection of the musicians' health care benefits," as well as certain aspects of an attendance requirement, the union has said.

Not all musicals would be subject to strike, including "Ragtime," which is under a separate contract, nor would other productions at Lincoln Center, such as ballet and opera.

Wiley Norvell, an outside spokesman for the League, sent a prepared statement on its behalf: "Good-faith negotiations happen at the bargaining table, not in the press. We value our musicians and we are committed to working in good faith to get a fair contract done."

The Actors’ Equity Association, which represents about 900 stage actors and managers now in shows, voted last month to authorize a strike, and one could be called anytime, union spokesman David Levy told Newsday this month.

Musicians have struck in the past, including in 1975 (for 25 days) and 2003 (four days), as have other workers on Broadway.

In past shows, tickets have been refunded for cancelled shows, sometimes automatically.

By Matthew Chayes

matthew.chayes@newsday.comchayesmatthew

Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.