Theater of the Stars money woes became public when it cancelled its upcoming production of “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” at The Fox. Manos says in the appeal letter that the $500,000 will help mount the planned productions of “Dreamgirls” and “Anything Goes,” but an additional $500,000 will be needed by Aug. 30 to continue the season – which was to include “The Little Mermaid,” “Stomp” and “Cats” – any further.
Fox Theatre President and CEO Allan Vella released this statement to the media: “We are disappointed that Theater of the Stars has cancelled the upcoming engagement of BUDDY –The Buddy Holly Story and we are concerned about their need to conduct an emergency fundraising campaign or cease to operate if their financial goals are not met. The Fox Theatre has played host to Theater of the Stars productions since 1984 and Theater of the Stars has been a part of our history and success. The Fox Theatre has been empathetic of the economic challenges Theater of the Stars has faced in the past and has supported Theater of the Stars in numerous ways since they first began presenting shows at the Fox Theatre. We sincerely hope that they are able to recover from this fiscal challenge.”