So Upset..sort of OT

[Ariel8676]

So Sunday is my DD's 5th birthday (11/25), and she LOVES Ariel and The Little Mermaid movie...so when the tickets for The Little Mermaid on Broadway went on sale (about 7 months ago) we got REALLY good seats and were so excited (especially since it was on her b-day)...but didn't tell her, we wanted it to be a surprise. We couldn't wait to see her little face light up when she realizes what she is going to see...she has asked to go see it just about everyday since she saw the commercial for it about 6 months ago, and we just kept telling her that we couldn't get tickets it was sold out...I AM SO HAPPY we didn't tell her...
I cannot believe our luck and that Broadway is dark...i was really keeping my finers crossed that the stagehands union would reach an agreement yesterday, and when i heard that all shows are still cancelled until at least November 25, i got so upset. This really stinks..i am still hoping for a miracle, but not too optimistic....we will get reimbursed for our tickets, but i wanted her to see it..now when can i get tickets again???? UGH!!!!
**just wanted to say that i know its not the end of the world, but i know she woud have been so happy.....

 

[PolynesianPixie]

I am so sorry. It is one thing when you get disappointed, quite another when it is your child. Thank goodness you haven't told her. Miracles do happen, I hope you get one.

We had a similar problem with Hanna Montana

 

[ConnieB]

That's very sad....I wonder if there is some way to let these writers know that their cry for more money (when most are already making more per day that I make in a year) is making so many KIDS cry. You aren't the only one that I've talked to who had big plans for surprising their kids with a Broadway show and now it's spoiled.

BUT....keep in mind that eventually the shows WILL all start up again. Ok, so it's not her birthday, but if your daughter loves Ariel like mine does...she won't care what day it is. Remember, she's five....to her going to see the show is what's important, not that it was a special day like a birthday or anniversary (that sentiment is an adult thing).

So chin up, (and yep, it's VERY good that you didn't tell her because THAT probably would have spoiled the birthday a little for her). But...it's still her birthday, so make a big deal out of it for her and she'll never realize the difference. Then, when you're able to switch your tickets, try for one after Christmas and give her the tickets for a CHristmas present. Part of the fun for her will be the anticipation....just like a trip to Disney, a lot of it is in the planning and the waiting (excruiating at times, but still fun). I told my girls about our first trip to Disney on their birthday...and we then had fun for the next 5 months planning, talking about (so much so that DH was going nuts, he's not a big fan) everything DIsney and making countdown calendars and everything. If I had kept it secret from them until we were leaving, we would have missed a LOT of fun together.

 

[mom2aredhead]

That's very sad....I wonder if there is some way to let these writers know that their cry for more money (when most are already making more per day that I make in a year) is making so many KIDS cry. You aren't the only one that I've talked to who had big plans for surprising their kids with a Broadway show and now it's spoiled.

The WGA writers strike has nothing to do with Broadway. It is the stagehands that are on strike here in NY...the people that work backstage doing lights, sets, cleaning, etc. It is not the guys in Hollywood Hills arguing over DVD royalties for Sitcoms. Not saying either one is right or wrong in what they're doing, just wanted to point out that they are in fact 2 entirely different groups of people.

Fortunately you live in NJ so the change in plans did not involve airline tickets or major travel. I hope you can get similar tickets for a future show. Kids are resilient - maybe a trip to the Toys R Us in Times Square, followed by a walk up to Workd of Disney to visit with some characters would do for now. At least she didn't know about it ahead of time - good planning on your part!

 

[Ariel8676]

Well we have a new plan....
we are going to take the train into NYC and go to the Museum of natural history..she loves it there..and they have a really cool exhibit about Mythical creatures..dragons, unicorn and mermaids to name a few.
SO we will have a great day and hopefully get some new tickets for a later date. I really do feel bad for the families that were planning on coming from far away that have plane tickets and hotels booked...

 

[mom2aredhead]

Enjoy! I also heard on the news that some of the restaurants in the theater district are really hurting for business and offering discounts since they usually depend on the show crowds. Might be worth looking into...maybe you can eat somewhere that's always booked solid and get a discount on top of it. I think it was on the CBS news so maybe it's on their website.
Have fun!

 

[ConnieB]

The WGA writers strike has nothing to do with Broadway. It is the stagehands that are on strike here in NY...the people that work backstage doing lights, sets, cleaning, etc. It is not the guys in Hollywood Hills arguing over DVD royalties for Sitcoms. Not saying either one is right or wrong in what they're doing, just wanted to point out that they are in fact 2 entirely different groups of people.

QUOTE]

Ok, well, out here on the west coast we only hear about the Hollywood millionaires needing more. Sorry about that....are the stagehands asking for more money too? THough I doubt they're millionaires, so maybe they deserve a little more of the take!

 

[mnasmom3]

I'd be upset too. Major bummer. Your plan B sounds great though.

 

[Keara'sMom]

It's my understanding that some shows are not affected by the strike, and one of those is "Mary Poppins." Maybe you could see about tickets for that instead (although I know it's not Ariel...). Just a thought.

I'm sorry you've had to deal with this disappointment. My dd10 and I were just talking about the poor folks who are traveling to NYC this week and have tickets to a show that is now cancelled. Here's to future tickets!

 

[mom2aredhead]

Yup, it's the stagehands. I have absolutely no idea how much they make, but like you said, I doubt they are millionaires. I also doubt they are making an unfair wage and are living in poverty. We also have the NYC taxi drivers intermittenly going on strike too (though if you lived around here, you'd understand what a joke that is).
Anyhow, I do feel terrible for anyone that had planned a trip here for the holidays specifically to see a show. Although there are a lot of other things to do here, when you have your heart (and money) set on something specific, it's so disappointing when it gets pulled out from under you.

 

[tlbwriter]

Ok, well, out here on the west coast we only hear about the Hollywood millionaires needing more.

The average salary of a member of the WGA is $204,000. The median is only $5000 a year. And that only applies to people who work full-time as writers.

http://www.thetalentshow.org/2007/11/16/wga-strike-lying-with-numbers/