BROADWAY THEATRE BOSS BANS RETURN OF THE GRINCH

The Christmas run of Broadway show THE GRINCH was doomed on Monday (19Nov07) when theatre bosses banned stagehands from ending their strike. Stagehands across New York's theatre district have been on strike since 10 November - crippling Broadway at its busiest time of the year. Union chiefs gave picketing Grinch staff members permission to return to work, because the show - which is only due to run during the Christmas period - is in danger of shutting down. But Jujamcyn Theaters has vowed to stand up to the strikers with other theatre owners. Jujamcyn boss Paul Libin says, "The Grinch will not re-open until the union signs agreements and ends the strike at all other theatres and all other shows that have been closed by their strikes." The move has left fans who have travelled to New York to see the show devastated - as well The Grinch's nine-year-old star Athena Ripka. The actress - who plays Cindy Loo - told a press conference on Monday (19Nov07), "I totally want to go back to work. I like being on stage. I like to see people smile and clap and be happy. It's always been my dream to be on Broadway." The Grinch producer James Sanna has vowed to take Jujamcyn to court to reopen the show - accusing the company of using the show as a "PR football". He tells the New York Post, "We are seeking an injunction. Kids all over the country want to see The Grinch."