Monday, February 2, 2009

Magic Theatre Update


Thanks to everyone who read my post about saving the Magic Theatre. The Magic Theatre's donation drive was a smashing success, hopefully in part because of the awareness fostered by the huge outpouring of media coverage and calls for donations that spread through the online world. The theatre raised far more than their $213,000 goal. The total numbers were close to $455,000. Pretty impressive considering the tough times. I'm so happy that the Magic Theatre has weathered the storm. Really, a big thank you to everyone who donated.

Still, there's plenty of dark clouds on the horizon for hundreds of small regional theaters across the country. Many have closed their doors or will be closing soon, and cutbacks have been very severe. I know I'm not the only one who sorely misses American Musical Theatre of San Jose. Perhaps in the future we can mimic the the same kind of banding together that the community displayed to help the Magic. I'm sure we can pool enough resources to keep theatre doors open! 

Here are some words from The Stanger's Slog section regarding Magic's rescue--

The Magic Theatre's emergency fundraising drive was a success, raising $455,000--counting a $100,000 matching grant that put the company well over its $350,000 goal--"from about 1,100 donors in something like 23 states," Board of Trustees President Missy Kirchner said in a Friday conference call with Artistic Director Loretta Greco. "We're still counting," she added. "Donations are still coming in."

That's good news indeed--I can't wait to see what the new season has in store.

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