Ever since, the magic of live theater is hearing the artists perform everything, well, live. The beauty and thrill of spontaneity and routine blend together well, which makes it very different from film and television.
From the acting, the choreography, and most especially the music, on Broadway, everything must be done live. That is why the Broadway League has instituted that at least 19 musicians must be employed for musicals on Broadway - a requirement that "Here Lies Love" doesn't want to follow.
'Here Lies Love' Faces Broadway Union Opposition
According to Rolling Stone, the 2023 production of "Here Lies Love" is facing its major opponent yet - the Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, a Broadway union dedicated to representing musicians in the art area.
Apparently, the union is taking issue with the production's decision to not use a live band for the musical. Instead, they want to use pre-recorded tracks instead.
Speaking to The New York Times, Local 802 has a contract with the Broadway League that it is required that every Broadway musical have at least 19 musicians in their company. It was reported that there are no full-time instrumentalists involved in the project.
"We're not going to stand by and let this happen. It's not fair to the public," the American Federation of Musicians Union President Tino Gagliardi said in a statement to the publication.
Read also: HER Joins The Revolution In 'Here Lies Love' Amid Contreversy: Was It All For A Tony Award?
'Here Lies Love' Wants 'Special' Treatment From Broadway League
David Byrne and Fatboy Slim are making the music for the upcoming jukebox musical centering on the life of the Philippines' ex-First Lady Imelda Marcos and her life before, during, and after the 1986 Philippine People Power Revolution.
A rep for Byrne has yet to comment on the issue. However, the New York Times revealed that the production is appealing to the Broadway League to categorize their musical as a "special situation" that would strike the said requirement of employing 19 instrumentalists in the company.
They pointed out that the context and the premise of the show revolve around the idea of Karaoke, which having a live band on stage would defeat the purpose. The show's spokesperson, however, told the publication that it will continue to work in good faith with the union until the Broadway League reaches a decision.
Aside from facing union opposition, Filipino activists are egging the production for alleged historical revisionism on the part of Imelda Marcos, the wife of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Filipino music icons like Broadway legend Lea Salonga and EGO-winner H.E.R., will both be part of the production as producers.
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