Does not fit the Playbill! Theatergoers urged to oppose Times Square casino
A Times Square casino does not fit the bill.
Owners of 24 Broadway Theaters are taking their opposition to a new Times Square casino right to theaters goers by stuffing a pamphlet into copies of the iconic “Playbill” magazine urging patrons to personally protest the proposed Midtown gambling hall.
“Don’t let politicians sell out the iconic heart of New York to the highest bidder. A casino can go anywhere. Broadway can only live here,” the insert in Playbill, the magazine for Broadway shows said.
The anti-casino message was inserted into Playbills starting on Wednesday and will continue in the coming days, the Broadway League representing the theater industry told The Post. The anti-casino fliers were apparently put into the mag at the theaters, and Playbill’s operators didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment on what role they had in disseminating the message.
The partnership bidding for a state license to open a casino at 1515 Broadway includes Caesars Entertainment, SL Green and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.
The show must go on — without a competing casino nearby, theater owners say.
“Every audience member has a stake in Broadway’s future. If Caesars’ Times Square casino moves forward, shows will close and theatre jobs will be lost,” claims Jason Laks, President of the Broadway League.
“These Playbill stuffers will ensure that theatergoers know what’s at stake. With their help, we can protect the cultural heart of this city before it’s too late.”
The message claims the casino would threaten Broadway theaters’ attendance and jobs, will hurt local restaurateurs and merchants, and increase crime and traffic.
Six members of the Community Advisory Committee will vote on whether Caesars casino bid will proceed by the end of September. The members include the local council member, state senator and assembly member, borough president and reps for the mayor and governor.
The insert tells theatergoers “we need your help now” and asks them to scan a QR code to tell New York politicians to oppose the casino.
A Caesars Palace Times Square rep accused the Broadway League of “fear mongering” and twisting the facts.
“This is nothing but baseless fear mongering. Our plan has the support of Broadway actors and musicians — including Actors’ Equity Association and Musicians Local 802 — as well as hundreds of local businesses,” the Caesar Palace Times Square spokesman said.
“They know this project will boost Times Square and the Theater District, not compete with it. Caesars Palace Times Square is designed to bring more audiences, more tickets sold, and more jobs, ensuring Broadway thrives for the next 100 years.”
There are heavy hitters backing the casino, too.
Rapper Fat Joe and radio host Charlamagne tha God testified on the Caesar Palace casino bid’s behalf during a hearing last week, along with members of Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.
But many residents in the neighborhoods surrounding Times Square are opposed.
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