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Home » Recent News » Philly Musicians Protest Nonunion Chicago Production


Philly Musicians Protest Nonunion Chicago Production

May 31, 2026

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A long-standing agreement was shattered when the Shubert-owned Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia violated a union contract with Local 77-274 (Philadelphia, PA) and decided to run a nonunion production of the musical, Chicago, which opened May 12.

The Shubert Organization abruptly fired five union musicians who were hired for the musical’s Philadelphia’s run, an action in direct conflict with the collective bargaining agreement with the Forrest Theatre, according to Local 77-274. For years, Philly union musicians have counted on a long-standing agreement with the Shubert: When a show was playing at the Forrest, the local musicians were playing.

Union officials view the firings as retaliation against protected union action in response to Local 77-274’s continued efforts to address the theater’s violation.

Signs called out “unfair labor practices” when Local 77-274 musicians and members of the extended community of theater musicians, IATSE Local B29 front-of-house workers, and AFL-CIO supporters, held an informational leafletting action outside the Forrest Theatre on opening night.

As theatergoers navigated the demonstration, organizers vowed to sustain their public pressure campaign throughout the show’s entire run. Local 77-274 President Ellen Trainer states, “Allowing this violation to go unanswered sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the stability and fair compensation of professional theater workers across the entire regional arts community.”

Local 77-274 (Philadelphia, PA) stands in solidarity with the musicians who play at the Forrest Theatre.





NEWS

Philly Musicians Protest Nonunion Chicago Production

May 31, 2026

A long-standing agreement was shattered when the Shubert-owned Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia violated a union contract with Local 77-274 (Philadelphia, PA) and decided to run a nonunion production of the musical, Chicago, which opened May 12. The Shubert Organization abruptly fired five union musicians who were hired for the musical’s Philadelphia’s run, an action in […]

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