Most of Broadway's theaters went dark on Saturday when stagehands went out on strike in a dispute with theater owners and producers, leaving thousands of ticket holders seeking refunds and entertainment alternatives.

The strike, which comes just as the crucial holiday season approaches, could last from days to several weeks, both sides in the dispute said.

Refunds or exchanges would be issued for canceled performances, the League of American Theaters and Producers, which represents producers and theater owners, said in a statement.

Picket lines went up in the morning outside the canceled 11 am EST performance of Dr Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas," with more expected later at other Saturday matinees.

Some 25 other Broadway shows were also canceled, including cash cows like Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Hairspray, Mamma Mia and The Lion King.

The theater league said the strike by the stagehands, who have been working without a contract since July, would cost about US$17 million for every day it lasts.

Picketing members of Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees carried signs reading "On strike" outside the St James Theater, where disappointed ticket holders voiced frustration.

"This is one experience of New York City that some of these kids will never have again," one parent told local media, adding that "nothing compares" to seeing a Broadway show.

Off-Broadway theaters, nonprofit theaters on Broadway and a handful of major productions including Mary Poppins and Young Frankenstein were not affected by the strike, the latter two having separate contracts.

(China Daily via Agencies November 12, 2007)