A musicians' strike cancelled the first two scheduled performances of the run on November 2, but everyone else in the company -- including the Rockettes -- returned for performances the next day. The musicians were also willing to return, but Radio City barred them from doing so until a new contract was in place or the musicians agreed not to walk out again during the show's two-month run.

Local 802's contract with Radio City Entertainment expired in May. Among the issues that the two sides have been discussing are base pay rates and overtime pay.