Pinkins
It's touch and go at "Caroline, or Change."
Contract negotiations between the producers and star Tonya Pinkins broke down this week. The two parties were reported to be far apart with regard to Pinkins' salary for the upcoming Broadway production of the new musical by Tony Kushner ("Angels in America") and Jeanine Tesori ("Thoroughly Modern Millie").
Pinkins plays the title role of Caroline, an African-American housekeeper who develops a contentious relationship with her employer's son.
As a result of the salary dispute, an ad for "Caroline" was pulled from the upcoming edition of the Sunday New York Times.
The tuner had played a limited run at the Public Theater this winter, and is skedded to begin previews April 13 on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theater. Opening night is May 2.
A full-pager in the Sunday Times runs about $75,000. "Caroline's" entire production is capitalized at $6 million.
In addition to the Times ad being canceled, the negotiation breakdown brought a halt Wednesday to construction of the production's set. A rep for the production said work on the set resumed Thursday, and the dispute was expected to be resolved.
Pinkins is on vacation and could not be reached for comment. Her last Broadway credit was "The Wild Party" four years ago. She won a Tony in 1992 for her featured-actress turn in "Jelly's Last Jam."
Contact Robert Hofler at
bob.hofler@variety.com