From Associated Press
December 09, 2007 2:16 PM EST

NEW YORK - Broadway stagehands on Sunday approved a new contract with producers, nearly two weeks after the end of a strike that shut down more than two dozen Broadway shows.

`It was an overwhelming ratification," said Bruce Cohen, a spokesman for Local 1 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. He declined to give an exact tally of the vote.

"We are pleased that Local 1 has ratified the contract," said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of the League of American Theatres and Producers. "Come and see a show this season."

The 19-day walkout began Nov. 10, closing such hit musicals as "Wicked," "Jersey Boys," "The Lion King," "Rent," "Mamma Mia!" and "The Phantom of the Opera." It also delayed the openings of such new productions as "August: Osage County," "The Seafarer" and "The Little Mermaid."

The strike ended Nov. 28, with productions reopening the following day.

It occurred during what is normally one of the best times of the year for Broadway, the period around the Thanksgiving holiday. Box-office losses totaled in the millions, and theater-related businesses and personnel suffered as well.

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Karen
JSH