OFF-BROADWAY Musical strikes deal with union over virtual orchestra

No musicians are being eliminated by the system.
NEW YORK (AP) -- The melody will go on -- virtual and otherwise -- for one off-Broadway musical.
The local musicians union agreed this week not to demonstrate in front of "The Joys of Sex," a new show using the so-called virtual orchestra, but future productions at its home -- the Variety Arts Theatre -- will need union approval before they can use the system.
The 10-year agreement was the first formal deal reached between the union and an off-Broadway theater regarding the Sinfonia, a computerized system already banned from Broadway houses. The system has stirred opposition among theater musicians who say it is a poor substitute for live playing and threatens jobs.
"We are not approving of the use of the machine in this show. But we agreed not to protest in exchange for this agreement," said David Lennon, president of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians.
Local 802 and "The Joys of Sex" had been at odds since March, when producer Ben Sprecher said one of the show's three musicians would be playing a virtual orchestra.
Sprecher and composer David Weinstein argued that some music had been written specifically for a virtual orchestra and that no musicians had been eliminated.
"They saw the light," Sprecher said. "We're not replacing any live musicians."
Lennon said the agreement would set a precedent for off-Broadway theaters, which negotiate deals with the union on a case-by-case basis. When asked whether he could foresee a situation where a virtual orchestra would be permitted at the 499-seat Variety Arts -- one of the largest off-Broadway houses -- he was noncommittal.
"If the machine evolves to the point where it doesn't make acoustic sounds or replace live musicians," the union would allow its use, he said.
Last year, a dispute over the machines led to a four-day walkout that shut down all but one Broadway musical and cost the city $10 million in box-office receipts and revenue.
Although the union has no formal jurisdiction over off-Broadway shows, it had planned to protest outside "The Joys of Sex" beginning with Tuesday's first preview performance. The $1 million musical opens May 12.
About 50 musicians gathered in front of the theater's marquee for a rally, but put away their signs when they learned of the agreement. A brass band played "Ain't Misbehavin"' and "When the Saints Go Marchin' In" as a light drizzle fell.
"I'm not terrifically happy with [the agreement], but at least it's on par with what we have on Broadway," said Bruce Eidem, who plays trombone in "Assassins" on Broadway.
"It's difficult -- I don't think I would sympathize with any producer who chose to use a virtual orchestra. Live music is what makes Broadway special."