MANHATTAN

LIVE PERFORMANCES BACK AT RADIO CITY’S ‘CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR’

Friday’s performances of the “Christmas Spectacular” at Radio City Music Hall will include live music for the first time this season. The show’s musicians reached an agreement with management on a new contract early yesterday morning. Members of the 35-piece orchestra walked out of a dress rehearsal two weeks ago, and the show’s producers locked them out the next day when they tried to return for the debut performance. The show, a holiday season staple featuring the famed Rockettes, went on with canned music during the lockout. Negotiations were jump-started on Monday when Mayor Bloomberg allowed the two sides to meet with a mediator at Gracie Mansion. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, although a previous Radio City offer that many musicians said they would consent to included a salary increase, continued overtime pay, and year-round health benefits.

– Special to the Sun

CITYWIDE

PORT AUTHORITY SAYS AGENCY HAS SAVED $100M IN ANNUAL COSTS

The Port Authority has saved $100 million in annual costs by stripping staff and improving efficiency, the agency said yesterday. The authority said the extra cash would help offset rising security costs and fund its plans to upgrade its transportation network. The savings came as a result of a decade-long year internal review of its business practices. The authority operates the major airports in New York and New Jersey, as well as bridges, tunnels, and ferry and bus terminals in both states. It also owns the World Trade Center site.

– Special to the Sun