The company went public with its financial deficits earlier this summer and launched a public fundraising campaign to remain in operation. Film and television producer Roger Bobb, who is also president and CEO of BobbCat Films, was among the industry members who lent financial support, however, the company was unable to secure enough funding to continue its programming.
The entirety of TUTS' planned 61st season has now been canceled. It was to include The Buddy Holly Story, Anything Goes, Cats, Dreamgirls and The Little Mermaid.
On July 15, The Fox Theatre terminated its lease with Theater of the Stars, and both parties agreed to move forward with an at-will usage arrangement. The termination of the lease allowed The Fox Theatre to begin to fill the vacancies created by the cancellation the TOTS productions.
"After exhausting every avenue possible to present this season, the continued effects of a slow economy and the financial results of last years' season precludes the organization from having the resources to mount the current season's productions. Information is forthcoming as the staff and board of directors are working hard to determine next steps," TOTS said in a statement.
Theater of the Stars, which has presented productions at the Fox Theatre since 1984, was also elemental in creating and presenting the Junior Theater Festival, which welcomes young performers to Atlanta each year. TOTS also presented the world premiere of Disney's High School Musical and 21 productions of Annie in its 60 seasons of operation. The Junior Theater Festival will not be impacted by TUTS' recent news, respresentatives for the Festival confirmed to Playbill.com.
Single ticket holders for Cats and The Little Mermaid are to contact the Fox Theatre ticket office at (404) 881-2017 or by email at [email protected] to obtain a full refund.
Theatregoers who had subscriptions may "return" them back to the company as a donation to the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, eligible for all applicable tax deductions and will receive a letter stating as such, according to TOTS.
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