Disney Replaces ‘Beauty and the Beast- Live On Stage” with Orchestra Concert Amid Union Disputes
If you’ve been following along with MickeyBlog then you know that tensions are high between Walt Disney World and Actor’s Equity (the union that represents many of Walt Disney World’s stage performers.) The two organizations seem to have reached an impasse over safety requirements since the parks reopened last month. Disney feels that their safety procedures are adequate while the union wants mandatory COVID-19 testing for all of their union members especially those that can’t wear a mask on stage.
While the two sides can’t seem to reach an agreement, Disney has decided to swap out the “Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” production at Hollywood Studios with “The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends.” This 20 minute show features 6 orchestra members that play popular Disney tunes like “Under the Sea” and “You’ve Got a Friend In Me.”
There are some remnants of the original show that still remain. For instance, for the show’s Grand Finale, there is a medley from “Beauty and the Beast” with performers dress as Mrs. Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth and Chip. According to a piece in the Orlando Sentinel, they do a moving choreographed routine before joining Belle and Beast onstage who are there to wave to the audience.
During the “Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage” show, equity actors portray Belle and Gaston who also sing their popular songs on stage. Dancers in the show are also represented by Actors Equity. The current production is a workaround involving non-equity participants. This is similar to reports that came in last month that Animal Kingdom had made changes to UP! A Great Bird Adventure which has been rewritten and renamed to cut out the the equity performer in the show.
Other shows that have been readjusted or are now on hiatus due to the union dispute includes Savi’s Workshop where there is no pre-show for those having lightsabers made. Productions like “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and “Finding-Nemo- The Musical” remain closed.
If you’re wondering where the musicians in the new Hollywood Studios show hail from it would appear that they’re being borrowed from Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. According to the piece in the Orlando Sentinel, The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra typically appears for performances in the hotel’s lobby. However, since the Grand Floridian is currently part of the NBA Bubble these musicians are available to lend their services over at Hollywood Studios.
As we previously reported here at MickeyBlog, Actors Equity represents about 750 performers at Walt Disney World. Due to disagreements over reopening procedures, the union would not sign the “memorandum of understanding” handed out to the union prior to Disney reopening. Instead, the union has filed a grievance against the company after Disney cancelled return-to-work notices for Equity performers.
Equity members have been divided when it comes to the standoff. Some are saying that they trust Disney and the precautions already in place while others express concerns about return to work.
So what’s next for the process? According to the Sentinel, the grievance is still being negotiated and if the two sides can’t agree than an arbitrator will be brought in.
This is a story that we’ll continue to follow closely here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with us for further news and updates.
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Source: Orlando Sentinel
Great article! Thank you!