Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Ordered to Reopen

Despite the Hollywood screenwriters’ strike, a New York judge has ordered on Wednesday a theater owner to reopen Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.
State Court Justice Helen Freedman has granted an injunction sought by the popular musical’s producers, who argued that their contract was not subject to the strike and who had the backing of the stagehands union, who wanted the show to continue at the St. James Theater.
So, Jujamcyn Theaters LLC, the owner of the St. James Theater and of four other Broadway theaters affected by the strike, had decided to lock out the popular music until the new labor agreement was reached. But as no new talks scheduled and with the strike in its 12th day already, Jujamcyn Theaters LLC’s decision was likely to ruin the limited-engagement run for the holiday musical, which attracts lots of children from out of town and not only.
“I think that one Grinch in this city is enough,” Judge Helen Freedman said the courtroom, adding that “The interests of the public are overwhelming. For the sake of our city, I’m granting an injunction.”
The judge’s injunction saves 11 Grinch shows over the Thanksgiving weekend, which represents one of the busiest times of the years for Broadway. Then the show will continue until January 6.
In a separate case caused also by the strike, the producers of nine Broadway shows sued the striking stagehands of Local One of International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and their president James Claffey Jr. for $35 million, seeking to recover their lost revenues.

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