Broadway goes on strike

New York, New York. It's the city that never sleeps. It's also the city that is temporarily shutting Broadway productions because of a (you guessed it) strike. Stagehands went on strike this weekend in a dispute with theater owners and producers, causing thousands of frustrated ticketholders and hopeless out-of-towners scrambling to get refunds and find other alternatives. (Free ice-skating at Bryant Park, anyone?)

As the holiday season draws closer, tourists can expect to find other forms of entertainment, as the strike, reportedly, could last from days to several weeks, according to Reuters.

In a statement, the League of American Theaters and Producers said that refunds and exchanges would be issued for canceled performances--to the relief of many.

Outside the theater of the cancelled 11am performance of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, picket lines were formed. Twenty-five other Broadway shows, including hit musicals like Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, and The Lion King are also on the cancellation list.

"This is one experience of New York City that some of these kids will never have again," one parent told local media, adding that "nothing compares" to seeing a Broadway show.

Here's to hoping that the strike will be resolved soon... I have tickets to go see a show next week!