So Blue Man Group is now on the offensive. They've published "An open letter to the community from Blue Man Group" on page R5 of today's Globe and Mail.

Methinks they've left out a few important details, which is the answer to the question: "Why they can't use Equity members?"

Here's the text of the ad in the Globe:

An open letter to the community from Blue Man Group

Much has been written about us since we arrived in Toronto, and most of it has been accurate and extremely positive. The theatrical union leadership's attempt to create controvery surrounding our production has certainly taken us by surprise. We offer this letter of introduction so that you may get to know a little more about us.

Over the course of our 17-year history, we have thoughtfully and carefully built an organizational structure that supports our employees as well as our projects. We are a unique organization; our employees are collaborative contributors to our various artistic endeavours, which include theatrical shows, touring concerts, albums, film and TV scores, commercials, short films and more. To our knowledge, there are no other business models that support the kind of creative company that we have developed.

For our Toronto production, we have hired Canadian actors and musicians, a Canadian crew, as well as Canadian management and support staff. Some of these individuals are members of unions, and some are not. We respect their decisions either way. We are an equal opportunity employer and have always been open to all qualified personnel. It is an employee's choice to join a union -- not an employer's place to require it.

Despite assertions to the contrary, we have met with theatrical union leadership in Toronto. In total, 10 meetings or conversations have occurred between our respective representatives from January 21 through May 16. Our goal has been to establish an amicable relationship with the unions. However, this objective was made difficult, if not impossible, by their leadership's threats, questionable rhetoric and coercive tactics.

We disagree with union leadership's assertion that only productions staffed completely by union members are "professional." Blue Man Group has performed for close to 10 million people in 100 cities in five countries with touring concerts and permanent productions. We have a Gold record, a Platinum DVD and a Grammy award nomination. We have won Drama Desk and Obie awards, as well as Audience and Critic's Pick awards, and have appeared in hundreds of national and international television programs. We prefer to let the audience be the judge of our production values and professionalism.

Throughout our history, we have continually valued and supported our artists, crew, management and staff. Without any agreement with a union or association, we have always offered salaries that typically exceed union norms, as well as competitive benefits. We offer superior job security, conflict resolution, employee development, and health and safety committees in each of our theatres, and we do so by choice. Our people, many of whom have been with us for more than 10 years, are the lifeblood of our company. Our long-term success and the high calibre of talent that we have been able to attract are ample evidence that our employees are well-paid and well-treated.

With the exception of the theatrical union leadership, we have felt enthusiastically welcomed by the people of Toronto and Canada, who are excited about a new show and opportunities within their community. They have embraced and show support for what we are bringing to Toronto:

* An internationally acclaimed show specifically retooled to reflect our new Toronto home

* A new, state of the art theatre built by Clear Channel and Panasonic on Yonge Street, adding to the economic health of the surrounding area

* 70 Canadian jobs for performers, musicians, production, management and theatre staff

Blue Man Group chose to develop work in Toronto because of its historically sophisticated and intelligent theatrical audience, and we look forward to becoming active contributors to this vibrant cultural scene. The best and brightest from Canada's vast talent pool have an open invitation to join us in creating an outstanding theatrical production. And we now invite the people of Toronto to experience the most exciting Blue Man Group production to date when we begin previews on June 7th.

Sincerely,

Blue Man Group

Thanks, Blue Man Group, for blinking first...

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