NEW YORK (AP) — A potential strike that threatened to darken Broadway’s stages has been avoided. The union representing Broadway musicians, known as Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, announced Thursday that it has reached a tentative labor agreement with commercial producers. The deal prevents a walkout that could have significantly impacted the city’s vibrant theater scene.

Negotiations between the union and the Broadway League, which represents the producers, had been ongoing for weeks. The dispute centered on issues including wages, residuals for streaming performances, and protections for musicians' jobs as Broadway continues to evolve. The tentative agreement addresses these concerns, though specific details of the deal have not yet been fully released.

A strike would have halted performances across all Broadway theaters, impacting thousands of actors, stagehands, and other workers, as well as the countless patrons who attend shows each week. Broadway is a major economic engine for New York City, drawing millions of tourists annually and generating billions of dollars in revenue. The averted strike ensures the continued operation of this vital industry.

The tentative agreement now needs to be ratified by the union’s membership. A vote is expected in the coming days. Once ratified, the agreement will provide stability and predictability for Broadway's musicians and the entire theater community, allowing productions to continue uninterrupted and audiences to enjoy the magic of live theater.