Salary increases and health benefit extensions weren't enough to keep Radio City Music Hall's orchestra from walking out of rehearsal for Christmas Spectacular, which is scheduled to begin tonight. Negotiations broke down between Radio City and the musicians when, depending on who you believe, one party acted a sissy.

The Rockettes, meanwhile, showed their support by storming out of the theater along with the musicians, but they're expected to be kicking their legs tonight — to recorded music!

"It's a sad day when the Radio City Christmas show doesn't go on with its live orchestra," [union president] Mr. [David] Lennon said. "People don't pay up to $250 to hear a tape recorder."

Excluding Celine Dion's Vegas show, of course.

Christmas Show Musicians Strike at Radio City [NYT]