Manhattan judge orders "The Grinch" production to reopen

In spite of the stagehands strike a Broadway production of "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!" was ordered to reopen.

Photo: Manhattan judge orders "The Grinch" production to reopen

The ruling from state Supreme Court Justice Helen Freedman came a day after she heard arguments from producers of the show and owners of the theater housing the $6 million (Ђ4.06 million) production. Producers, citing a special contract between the show and Jujamcyn Theaters, wanted the show to go on.

Jujamcyn owners said the lockout was legal and a tactical decision by the theater owners in handling the strike. An attorney for the owners said his clients had no assurance that the stagehands would not walk out again if the show resumed at the St. James Theater, which is owned by Jujamcyn.

The show's limited run was supposed to last through Jan. 6, but it was shut down by the Nov. 10 walkout. The continued closing of "The Grinch," however, was the result of a management lockout rather than the strike.