Paper Mill Still Not Out of Danger; More Donations Needed

Earlier today reports from various sources indicated that lending institutions would come to the rescue of Paper Mill Playhouse during its financial crisis.  Although the theater is engaged in accelerated negotiations to obtain a loan that would allow it to finish the season, it is premature to claim that the theater will remain open. Since Tuesday's announcement that the theater was in danger of shutting its doors on Friday, April 6, it has received hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash donations. Because of this unprecedented support, the Board of Trustees, which met in emergency session on Thursday evening, decided to continue the rehearsal process for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, which is scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 11.  

"This outpouring of public support has given us a brief reprieve during which we will continue to work round-the-clock on the many initiatives we have undertaken to save the season and the theatre," says Board Chairman, Ken Thorn.   Diane Claussen, Paper Mill's Managing Director says, "Due to community and board contributions, Paper Mill Playhouse will be able to meet its payroll and essential operating expenses for one week.  Unless donations continue to come into the theater, we will be forced to consider closing our doors as early as next weekend."

"Paper Mill is still very far from its fundraising goal. Although we have received unprecedented and heartwarming support from the public, it was not possible to raise $1.5 million in three days.  However, the generous donations we have received so far do allow us to keep the theatre open for one more week, launch our next production, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers—and continue our intense fundraising drive," says Mark S. Hoebee Paper Mill's Acting Artistic Director.

Diane Claussen explained that the short-term reprieve will also allow the theatre to continue its efforts to secure a "bridge loan" to complete the season.  "A loan will permit us to finish the season and to continue our efforts to raise money.  We cannot end the season in a deficit position.  We believe in the people of New Jersey.  They understand that this great not-for-profit theatre needs their help—we just have to give them the time and the chance to respond."  Efforts to obtain a loan improved this past week when two local developers offered to guarantee the loan.

Dan Baer, mayor of Millburn where the theatre is located, has been leading the crusade to save the 69 year old theatre.  Mr. Baer has reached out to residents, business owners and county officials including the Essex County Economic Development Corporation to garner support.

He has been joined by students that have participated in the many arts education programs at Paper Mill who are making their own contributions and conducting school fund-raisers for the theater.   Actors, musicians, stage hands, vendors, unions and staff have all begun to rally round the theatre as word of its troubles makes its way into greenrooms across the country. 

A rally to support the theatre is scheduled for Monday, April 9 at 7:00 pm at the Millburn theatre.  Because most Broadway theatres are dark on Monday, the theatre is receiving dozens of offers to participate in the rally from the New York theatre community, which is closely connected to Paper Mill.  "Everyone knows that John Lloyd Young (Tony Award-winning star of Jersey Boys) will be here for the rally," says Acting Artistic Director, Mark Hoebee.  "What they don't realize is that the entire theatre community wants to do whatever they can to help."  Broadway and Paper Mill stars will be submitting testimonies on how much this organization has meant to them.  So far the confirmed talent includes: Leslie  Kritzer, George Dvorsky, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Michelle Ragusa, Tony Award-Winner John Lloyd Young, Judy McLane, Glory Crampton, Mathew Scott, James Brennan, Nell Benjamin, Nick Corley, Daniel Goldstein, Danette Holden, Thom Christopher Warren, and Kate Baldwin.  Political leaders including: Senator, Governor Richard Cody, Senator Tom Kean Jr.  Former governors Brendon Byrne and Tom Kean Sr. will also speak at the rally along with Paper Mill Staff and members of the Board of Trustees. The event is rain or shine.

Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theatres and is supported in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, in addition to contributions from many corporations, foundations, businesses and individuals.  Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

Tickets are still available for both Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Pirates! and may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343 or logging on to the Paper Mill website www.papermill.org.  We are graciously accepting donations to keep the theater open.  Please call 973-379-3636 ext. 2SAV or log onto the Paper Mill Playhouse website and make your donation today.

 

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!