NSMT Presents 3 Shows W/ HSM Cast For Save Our Theater

To raise funds for its ‘Save Our Theatre' appeal, North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) will present three special cabaret performances this week featuring the cast of Disney High School Musical 2, the NSMT Orchestra and NSMT Academy of Music Theatre students. The cabaret performances are open to theatergoers and the general public, and suggested donations of $20 will be accepted at the door. Last week, the theatre announced that it must raise $500,000 by end of January and another $4 million by April to proceed with producing its 2009 Season and theatre education programs. Fifty-seven staff members will be laid off on January 11th.

"We are extremely grateful for the support NSMT has received thus far, but need to keep going full steam ahead to increase awareness and maintain pressure to raise essential funds," says David Fellows, chairman of the NSMT Board of Trustees. "NSMT has been the community's theatre for more than 50 years-individuals must act now to do their part to save this cultural and artistic gem by making a donation, purchasing tickets to our current production and attending these cabarets."

Determined to strive to keep the theatre open, the cast of Disney High School Musical 2 and the NSMT Orchestra will donate their time and talent to present lively cabaret-style performances featuring Broadway standards and pop songs on Thursday, January 8th at 9:45pm and Saturday, January 10th at 10:15pm following the regular performances. In addition, dozens of local students from NSMT's Academy of Music Theatre and Summer Stages programs will perform and share stories of NSMT's impact in their lives on Wednesday, January 9th at 7:30pm. The cabarets will take place in Overtures Restaurant at the theatre.

"These cabaret performances are great opportunity for cast members and our many Academy students to do what they do best and showcase their wide range of talent," said Barry Ivan, artistic director and executive producer at NSMT. "We are so pleased with the energy and support from the cast and orchestra, as well as the Academy students and their parents, towards saving this theatre that means so much to them. We hope patrons and the community will express how much the theatre means to them by joining us for these special evenings of music and entertainment."

Effects of the crumpling economy, lower than expected donations and ticket sales all season long have left the theatre unable to cover its operating costs - a national decade-long trend that is impacting theaters across the country. Further compounding the problem is debt that resulted from a devastating fire in 2005 that forced the theatre to make a major investment in its facilities.

The theatre entered 2008 with a balanced budget that trimmed $1 million in expenses, but its projected revenue from tickets sales has fallen critically short of the goal. Over the last several months, the theatre's leadership has been focused on devising strategies that would keep the theatre alive and well, including the development of a new business model for the performance season, a possible land sale, and philanthropic outreach. Despite efforts by NSMT to reduce operating expenses and streamline business practices over the last several years, the severity and speed of the economic downturn has outpaced the theatre's ability to restore its economic health.

For more information on the fundraising cabaret performances, to purchase tickets for Disney High School Musical 2 which runs through January 11th, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit www.NSMT.org.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 300,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including The Elliot Norton Award, The Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and The Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series, an acclaimed concert series and award winning student productions. With its celebrated Theatre for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region's leading providers of theater arts and education.

 

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