Despite Strike Continuing Through Thanksgiving, Mayor Downplays Economic Repercussions

Broadway was only four days into a strike in 2003 when Mayor Bloomberg warned of the looming "severe economic impact" that could result from the dispute.

This time, theaters have been dark for more than a week and the mayor is not only refraining from wagging his finger in public, he's downplaying the potential damage the stagehands' strike could cause the city.

"I think what it hurts more is our reputation, and it's the psychic things rather than dollars," Mr. Bloomberg said. "Our hotels will still be full, our restaurants will still be full, mass transit will still be going along."

Estimates of the economic damage on the city vary wildly, ranging from $2 million to $17 million a day.

"Is it a cataclysmic thing for this city? No. Is it bad for this city? Yes," he said.

Talks broke off Sunday between Local 1 and the League of American Theatres and Producers, and performances for more than two dozen Broadway shows were canceled through November 25, the lucrative Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The shows idled by the strike include some of Broadway's biggest hits, including "Wicked," "Jersey Boys," and "Mamma Mia!"