[2] In response, Local 802 developed the "Save Live Broadway" campaign, which garnered media attention and a petition with over 30,000 signatures.
[2] The loss of employees from these unions caused all Broadway musicals (except Cabaret, which had a different contract because it was performed at Studio 54) to shut down for the duration of the strike.
[1][6] Because of the great strain on New York's economy, with $7 million lost per performance for New York businesses (taxis, restaurants, and hotels),[1] Mayor Michael Bloomberg intervened and invited Bill Moriarity, president of Local 802, and Jed Bernstein, president of the League of American Theaters and Producers, to meet at Gracie Mansion on the night of March 10, 2003 to continue negotiations.
[3] After all-night negotiations, parties agreed to reduce minimum requirements for musicians from 24–26 to 18–19, which would stay in effect for the next 10 years.
[2][3] Mayor Bloomberg announced that the unions had reached a settlement and Broadway was "no longer dark" the morning of March 11, 2003.