Title: Broadway Musicians Speak Out Against David Byrne's 'Here Lies Love' Broadway musicians are up in arms about the upcoming musical, 'Here Lies Love', which reportedly plans to use recorded music instead of a live band. According to a recent article in the New York Times, a labor union has also voiced its concerns, stating that the theater's contract requires live musicians for musical productions. This move to pre-recorded music has enraged musicians who feel that they are being replaced by machines. To the musicians' union, it is a breach of contract. To the musicians themselves, it is a disrespectful slap in the face. Live performances are what make theater unique, and the raw energy of live music is a vital component of the Broadway experience. Recorded music simply cannot convey the same emotional depth and energy that comes from a live performance. By choosing to prioritize financial gains over musical artistry, David Byrne and the producers of 'Here Lies Love' are doing a great disservice to their audience and to the wider community of Broadway musicians. It sends a message that live music is somehow disposable and not worth investing in – an attitude that will have devastating consequences for the entire industry. Musicians are the backbone of the Broadway experience. Without their talent and hard work, the magic of live theater simply wouldn't exist. As such, it is a musician's right to be treated with respect and paid fairly for their work. The Broadway community stands with the musicians union and all the performers who make live theater the creative, emotional and unique experience that it is. It's time for producers and directors to prioritize live music and acknowledge its significance in creating authentic, engaging productions. In conclusion, we believe that the decision to use recorded music in 'Here Lies Love' is not only a violation of the musicians' contract but also a betrayal of the musicians themselves and the art of live theater. It is our hope that Broadway producers and musical directors will realize the importance of live music in theater and treat their musicians with the respect they deserve. The show plans to use recorded music instead of a live band, but a labor union says its contract for the theater requires musicians for musicals.
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