PRiMA Theatre Closes EVITA Early, Will Offer Free Cabaret

PRiMA Theatre Executive Producer Mitch Nugent released the following statement today regarding the early closing of the company's production of EVITA.

"It is with great sadness that I write to you today to inform of the need for us to cancel the remaining performances of EVITA. Our artists and production staff put a great deal of time, effort and energy into creating a unique presentation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's EVITA. In doing so, we recognize that art requires risk, especially in the pursuit to produce fresh work. We give it our best efforts to do so strategically, creatively, and wisely. The process to stage a show like EVITA starts over a year out, when we purchased the rights to present the show. In the case of EVITA, our creative decisions in presenting the material created significant concerns with the rights holders of the show.

"They have made the decision that we are not permitted to present EVITA as we have it staged. This is, sadly, where the intersection of artistic sensibilities and the desires of the rights holder intersect.

"Therefore, two options were clear:
1. Make significant changes to our production, or
2. Cancel the remaining performances.

"The changes to retool our production are beyond the scope of our ability to produce in the short time available. I could not guarantee that we could present the quality of production that you, as our patrons, deserve. We would rather wait to offer you a stellar event on October 28, 2017, at the 2018 Season Launch, than to put on stage something that we couldn't be sure would be well-curated.

"Therefore, with the support of the PRiMA Board of Directors, amidst our collective disappointment, we have canceled this week's performances of EVITA. This decision was not come to lightly, nor without thorough discussion of all our options. My sincere apologies to all of you and to our artists and production staff.

...

"As you can imagine, ticket sales are crucial to our success as an organization. This cancellation will result in financial losses for our local, non-profit organization. But, don't worry, we'll rise stronger than ever. Our 2017 season has been a great success, from Tick Tick Boom, to Retro Remix, to the Billy Porter concert. We look forward to seeing you at our 2018 Season Launch, and we are excited to showcase what we have in store for next year!

"More than ever, PRiMA is committed to continuing our mission of invigorating lives through fresh theatrical experiences. Our city deserves a thriving cultural scene, and as Lancaster's boutique theatre experience, PRiMA will continue, with increased fervor, to do our job of bringing exciting works to life!"

Ticket holders can visit www.primatheatre.org/evita to advise PRiMA on how they'd like to move forward with their tickets, or via boxoffice@primatheatre.org, or phone at (717) 327-5124.

Options for ticket holders:
1. Credit your account for a future PRiMA production in the next 18 months including a complimentary guest pass for your inconvenience. Such a credit can be used for any show in 2018, as well as Sinatra Holiday Speakeasy (December 3, 10, 17, 2017).
2. Donate your tickets to the Youth Experience Initiative for a future production.
3. Request a refund.

PRiMA Theatre is also offering a free EVITA CAST CABARET to anyone and everyone who is available at 7:30pm this Saturday at Willow Valley Communities Cultural Center Theater. The leading performers have all agreed to perform, with some potential special guest appearances. Free tickets can be reserved at www.primatheatre.org or feel free to show up at the venue that night.

To post a comment, you must register and login.