Mixed Blood Theatre Suing Prince's Estate for Cancelled 'REVELRY' Gala

Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis is suing Prince's estate for nearly $350,000 following the abrupt cancellation of their 40th anniversary gala, originally slated for May 14 at Prince's Paisley Park venue.

The Star Tribune writes that staff at the complex had assured Mixed Blood the event would continue as planned following Prince's sudden death on April 21 of an accidental overdose.

Mixed Blood is now filing a formal claim to make sure that negotiations, which have been going on with estate overseer Bremer Trust since the cancellation, recover the costs spent on the fundraiser.

"Ever since May, we've been dealing with Bremer Trust. We went to mediation with a judge," Artistic Director Jack Reuler told the Star Tribune. "We didn't come to a number that both sides agreed to, so the process continues ... and we will come to a natural conclusion."

The claim, totaling $348,358, includes items for the event's silent and live auctions, tickets and sponsorships that must be refunded, games and other entertainment. Mixed Blood has also laid off staff since the cancellation.

After the gala cancellation, Mixed Blood posted the following letter on their website:

Dear Friends,

It is with the most profound regret that I write with news about Mixed Blood's gala, scheduled for next Saturday, May 14th at Paisley Park.

We received news today, May 6, 2016, at 5pm that Bremer Trust, the court-appointed representative of Prince's estate, has decided to enforce a ban on all public events in Paisley Park for the time being, even those events already scheduled and under contract. That ban, then, includes Mixed Blood's 40th Anniversary gala, "Revelry: A Red-Tie Affair", and its subsequent after party.

This news has shocked and dismayed Mixed Blood's staff and Board, and I have no doubt that it is also very upsetting to you. With eight days remaining before the event, there is so little time to cancel or change flights, return the outfit you bought or rented, and manage the disappointment of not experiencing that space on that evening, celebrating Mixed Blood's first forty years and dancing to Prince's music. You should know that Prince's staff, the Paisley Park team, had nothing to do with this decision. They have been gracious, generous, and supportive through the entire planning process, insisting at every turn that we are welcome there. We aren't surprised that Prince surrounded himself with these good people, and we are proud now to call them friends.

We understand that, to many of you, the specifics of the evening cannot be replaced. We will, of course, refund your ticket purchases over the next few days. We appreciate your patience as we work to make this right.

This message is not about our team, but to be honest with you--we are reeling. We were so excited to celebrate with you, and to honor the substantial accomplishment of Mixed Blood's forty years of making art in service of social justice.

If you have immediate questions, please email them to us at gala@mixedblood.com. We have a team on hand to respond, and we will answer you as quickly as possible.

We are so sorry for any loss you have incurred, as well. Thank you for your incredible support of Mixed Blood Theatre, and for making this exceptional effort to be there with us on May 14th. We will never forget it.

With sorrow and regret,
Amanda White Thietje
Managing Director

The theatre's claim is just one of many filed against the estate since the pop star's death. Prince's estate is valued between $100 and $300 million before taxes.