A labor union representing musicians is opposing David Byrne’s next Broadway show, “Here Lies Love,” due to concerns over plans to stage the production with recorded instrumental tracks instead of a live band. The musical is an immersive, dance-driven spectacle about Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines. It is scheduled to start previews on June 17 and to open on July 20 at the Broadway Theater. Byrne co-wrote the music with Fatboy Slim. Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians says its contract with the Broadway League requires the use of 19 musicians for musicals at the Broadway Theater. Nevertheless, the producing team of “Here Lies Love,” led by Hal Luftig, has been seeking to have the show declared a “special situation,” which is a category in the labor agreement that allows for the employment of fewer musicians. The request is to be assessed by a panel that includes neutral observers as well as representatives of the Broadway League and the musicians’ union. The best-known example of a musical without an orchestra is “Contact,” a dance show that won the 2000 Tony Award for best musical.
