Kimmel Center's contracts with the union that represents the workers expired on Oct. 1. The International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees initiated a strike against the Kimmel Center.

"The Kimmel Center continues to negotiate vigorously and in good faith with union representatives to reach an agreement on new labor contracts between the parties," according to an Oct. 1 Kimmel Center statement. "As a result, Kimmel Center has canceled all performances scheduled on Oct. 1, while the strike continues."

The canceled shows for Oct. 1 are Audra McDonald at Verizon Hall, 8 PM, rescheduled for Nov. 30 at 8 PM; Angela Barrows-Dunlap's Why Do Good Girls Like Bad Boyz, Merriam Theater, 3 PM and 8 PM; The Big Bang, Innovation Studio, 5 PM and 8 PM.

Kimmel Center administrative offices remain open, including the Box Office located within the Kimmel Center.

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is at Broad and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia, PA. For refund/exchange information about canceled shows, and for updates about when shows will resume, visit www.kimmelcenter.org. *

Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, and the University of the Arts Merriam Theater.