This week and next should have seen the openings of three of the hottest contenders for best play at next June's Tony Awards. However, when the stage-hands union went on strike on November 10, previews of these three shows — "The Farnsworth Invention," "The Seafarer," and "August: Osage County" — were canceled. With most of Broadway dark (only 8 shows including "Young Frankenstein" are running because they are in theaters that have separate contracts with the union), this season, touted as one of the most exciting in years, could turn tepid.

Talks had broken off between the union and the League of American Theaters and Producers, but are expected to resume on Saturday with a new and welcome face at the table — Disney exec Robert Johnson, who is well liked by both sides. Though Disney is not part of the league, one of its big hits, "The Lion King" is roaring no more as it played in a striked house while Disney's new troubled tuner, "The Little Mermaid," already floundering in previews, could see opening night pushed back beyond December 6.

Once the dispute is resolved, expect shows to resume performances within a day or two with those three plays rescheduling their glamorous opening nights. While buzz for "Farnsworth," Aaron Sorkin's return to the Rialto after 18 years, had been building, producers of that show and the others will have their work cut out for them to get attention in the busy holiday season. Though the serious-minded "Seafarer" and "August" may lack the star power of "Farnsworth," they have come to Broadway based on great reviews in London and Chicago, respectively.