Broadway stars David Hyde Pierce and Vincent Pastore are thrilled to be back onstage after the 19-day stagehands strike ended on Wednesday. Major shows returned to New York on Thursday, after a deal was agreed - and the performers forced to spend nearly three weeks on picket lines, are ecstatic.

Former Frasier star Hyde Pierce - appearing in stage musical Curtains - says, "I've been completely morose, depressed and withdrawn for 19 days. We could have Thanksgiving today because we're so grateful."

Sopranos mobster Pastore, starring in Chicago, adds, "I was itching, man. I was like, 'What's gonna go on?' I've been waiting for this for a while... We've got sold out audience tonight. I'm just looking forward to my first cocktail tonight."

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)