I knew that dancers in NYC aren't paid enough to get an apartment of their own, most of the time, and I always knew that stage hands and electricians made more than the dancers and a lot of other people on the creative side.  But this blew my mind away.  

I am wondering if the Dems will call for an investigation into excessive wages.  They seem to think that people who produce life-saving drugs should have a limited salary. Maybe stage hands?????

Tickets in NY are so high that many people cannot go to a show.  When I was living in NY for the first time in the early 70's (SHIT I'm old), I saw Pearl Bailey in Dolly for not much more than the cost of a movie.  (I was in the balcony.)  

My parents used to be able to take the family to see Peter Pan and West Side Story, and it was an affordable experience for the vast majority of people.

Now, it is a rare treat or something for the elite, and this is one of the big inflationary factors.

I remember when "Best Little Whore House" opened, they only needed a small orchestra, but union rules required they hire a full orchestra.  The play was doing okay, but that was one factor that led to it closing early.  (I knew two dancers in the show and they lost their jobs.)

Now, before everyone thinks I am bashing unions, I will agree that "fair wages" is a good idea, and I won't quarrel with it. Also, if anyone goes off on hotel workers who make 75 cents an hour, I will just say that you are changing the subject.

But if you can't see this as a terrible abuse that hurts everyone, I am sorry.


http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/68164552.html?page=all

-- Modified on 12/27/2010 4:26:17 PM

Having worked on both sides, in the unions and part of management, I won't go into defending or attacking either side, because I've seen abuses on both sides.

However, I believe there are other factors effecting ticket prices. One is, many companies, and law offices buy out the best season tickets for their employees and clients. This is true here in LA for sporting events. Another factor is supply and demand. I spoke to a guy who's son bought him a ticket for the Lakers vs. the Heat game, in the nose bleed section. He said the seats normal sell for $35, and because in was a competitive game, and on Christmas day, the ticket cost over $135.

I live in NYC and have been residing here for a few years. Life is absolutely expensive, I agree. Entertainment is pricey and had I not been in this realm of work, I may not have the chance to see as many shows as I get to see on my dates which take me to theater and musical performances. It really is sad to know that the people who help put these productions on (backstage-lighting-sets etc) are often times unable to afford living life in NYC and thus live in the boroughs. I'm just agreeing with you about the huge impact that money has on the quality of ones life in Manhattan.
--Sitara