Actor and stage managers union Actors' Equity Association joined the crowds in Times Square's Duffy Square on June 26 to rally in support of the potential Caesars Palace New York casino. The proposed casino would be built in the heart of the Broadway theatre district, right above the Minskoff Theatre.
The website for the project, titled "A Better Times Square," claims that the casino by increasing revenue, establishing New York City as the "entertainment capital of the world," will increase investments in "safety, security, and transportation," and make Times Square "safer, less congested, and more welcoming to all." The project also promises to provide $80 million for a public safety plan for the surrounding neighborhood and $20 million towards Broadway theatre tickets for disadvantaged families.
Real estate developer S.L. Green is leading the casino project in partnership with Caesars Entertainment. Green has filed the official application for the project with the New York State Gaming Commission, which will make a decision December 1.
Amongst the 1,000 attendees of the June 26 rally were the aforementioned Actors' Equity Association, as well as Local 802鈥擜merican Federation of Musicians, which represents many Broadway musicians. Outside of the theatre industry, several other unions were present, including construction unions like LIUNA/Mason Tenders/Local 79 and hospitality unions like 32BJ SEIU and Hotel Trades & Gaming Council. Local venues were also represented, including theatre-affiliated venues such as the Town Hall, which frequently hosts Broadway-adjacent and theatre-related concerts and events. New York assembly member Jordan Wright was also present.
Matt Goldman, Executive Director of The Town Hall rallied with the crowd, stating: 鈥淭his project brings more audiences, more support, and more investment to the existing venues that define this neighborhood. We enthusiastically support Caesar's bid to make the engine of New York City鈥檚 economy and culture even stronger and more vibrant.鈥�
A rally opposing the development of the potential Times Square casino was held one day prior, organized by the No Times Square Casino Coalition, which includes 31 New York City-based entertainment organizations and related venues and local businesses. Members of The Broadway League, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, stage workers union IATSE, The Shubert Organization, and many more were present at the opposition rally. Tony-winning actor and producer LaChanze led the crowd in a chant, saying, "Broadway is for Broadway shows! No to casinos!" In her speech, she said that the casino will lead to more congestion in Times Square and negatively affect the neighborhood where Broadway artists live and work.
Those opposing the development have expressed concern that, in an already overwhelmingly crowded 10 block radius, the casino would increase street crowding, traffic, and potentially crime, and also weaken New York City's tax base.
If given the green light, the casino would be built into 1515 Broadway, a 54-story office building which hosts the Minskoff Theatre (home of The Lion King) on its third floor, as well as the Palladium Times Square (formerly titled the Playstation Theatre) in the basement, a former movie theatre-turned entertainment venue. The Minskoff would remain in its current state, but the rest of the building would be renovated to accommodate a large-scale casino, hotel, and parking garage. 1515 Broadway is nestled on 44th Street, a notorious theatre-lined street, featuring numerous iconic theatre exteriors and facades like the Shubert Theatre and the Majestic Theatre, as well as Shubert Alley鈥攁 passageway between 44th and 45th Street that frequently hosts Broadway community events and gatherings, like the Broadway Flea Market, Broadway Barks, and many more annual happenings.
Actors' Equity Association, founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers.
