The Imagination Blog

I’m not sure it’s unprecedented, but it seems remarkable that in the span of two weeks, three of this decade’s Tony Award-winning Best Musicals are closing: Hairspray (2003 Best Musical) closes January 4, 2009, Spamalot (2005 Best Musical) closes January 18, 2009 and Spring Awakening (2007 Best Musical) closes January 18, 2009. Sure, there are big musicals opening over the coming months - Billy Elliot and Shrek are joining Wicked, The Lion King and Mamma Mia.

Times are tight all over - that’s undeniable. And costs to put on quality productions are increasing along with everything else. Granted, we’re not remotely on the scale of a big budget Broadway production, but Hershey Area Playhouse has been fortunate to see our audiences grow. Ticket sales for our recent show, The Mousetrap, were up over previous October productions. This helps us continue to provide exciting theatre and educational programs for the community. While we are cheering on the arts everywhere, we are thankful for the support the region has shown for our Playhouse.

Derek and I just returned from the B’way show “title of show.” We saw this off-B’way a couple years ago, and tonight got half-price tickets in the second row. It’s unfortunately closing on Sunday, but it is a clever, realistic look at two guys writing a show that they dream will make it onto the “Great White Way.” Talk about life imitating art! Or vice versa! You could tell the show’s songs hit really close to home, as you could see the tears in their eyes. Those of us who have been in shows know the excitement of the show’s opening and the sadness when it closes. It’s always important to enjoy the ride, and remember another show will always come around - and, speaking of shows, we have a great line-up here next year, I look forward to seeing you all there!