Update on the strike front

What a difference a week makes.

As reported here just days ago, Ellen Degeneres was supposed to come to New York next week to tape her talk show, despite an industry-wide walkout by television writers seeking future compensation for internet and DVD use of televised material. But today she changed her mind.A spokesperson for the show confirmed that Degeneres has cancelled her plans but explained, “We make changes all the time. Our schedule is always fluid.

“Writers Guild of America, East President Michael Winship responded in a statement, “She knows that the Writers Guild East would have been there to protest her lack of solidarity, not only with her Guild writing staff but all the striking members of the Writers Guild, of which she is a member.

“Meanwhile on Broadway, Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the League of American Theatres and Producers have agreed to go back to the negotiating table this weekend, at an undisclosed location. Broadway stagehands walked the picket lines beginning last Saturday morning when talks broke down over producers’ efforts to cut workforces by 38%.

While 27 Broadway theaters have gone dark, business is brisk for off Broadway and off off Broadway shows, and if ever there was time to dine out in midtown, it’s now. There is no waiting at most restaurants in the theater district.