ATTACK ON LOSS OVER MUSICAL

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31974, 29 April 1969, Page 16

ATTACK ON LOSS OVER MUSICAL

Because of a loss of $1772 on the show “The Fantasticks” the chairman of the Christchurch Operatic Society (Mr C. H. Yeatman) was strongly attacked at the society’s annual meeting last evening.

Mr B. Matthews said that the chairman had acted as a dictator in forcing the show’s production against a reconi- : mendation of a sub-commit-tee that it should not be produced. He added that it had been claimed that the small show could be produced on a “shoej string." "It was the most ex- ! pensive shoe-string I’ve ever seen in my life." Speaking from the floor after an interim chairman had been appointed. Mr Yeatman said he was not apologising for his actions. It was true that the subcommittee set up to investigate the possibilities of producing "The Fantasticks" had turned it down, he said. However. the general committee, which governed the society, had decided to put it on in an effort to boost the finances of the society after the secretary reported that there were not enough funds to take the society through the year unless something was done Various ways of raising finance were considered, including raffles and fairs, but it was decided the society was formed to do shows and this was what would be done, said Mr Yeatman "It was completely unavoidable then that we should discuss anything but a small show because of the time." he said. “We could not see why the show didn’t go—it was delightful.” It had been running nine years in New York and would run longer. “I don't know why the finger should be pointed at this committee for deciding to do a show that lost money other committees have lost money with other shows,” said Mr Yeatman.

:| Speaking again. Mr Mati thews said he accepted Mr .Yeatman’s explanation. “1 ’ don't say I approve of it. The • responsibility rests with the - chairman.” he said. .1 “I think it right and proper to do shows, but there must 11 be responsibility in mainpaining a budget. " The producer of “The Fan.:tasticks." Mr B. Deavoll. said : society members were responsible for the show not succeeding. “If we want a socij ety to flourish the least we I ! can exnect is for its own; 'members to support its pro-' duction. Members were apathetic and this is why such a . lot of money was spent on ' advertising to get support' I from the public where we 'could not get it from the : members." ! In his annual report, Mr ' Yeatman said it was disappointing that a loss of $1654 i for the year’s working had been incurred. The profit of $1313 on the, show “Can Can" had been off- j I set by the loss on the musi-l i cal “Fantasticks” at 81772. he: said. Non-payment for hiring; lof items by the now defunct ! Canterbury Theatre Trust amounted to 5232. However, ; it was encouraging to report ! that hirings continued to provide a welcome source of income and the figure for the year amounted to $lO6l, he j said Discussing the loss on the; “Fantasticks." Mr Yeatman' said the musical was presen-' ted for a four-night season I in October, but failed to at- : tract audiences. ' It had been subject to virulent newspaper criticism and. the resultant loss would have! been much higher if so many! I persons had not given their services at no cost to the society.

A preliminary financial statement on the society’s latest show, "The Pajama Game.” indicated a possible; small loss, said Mr Yeatman. "Despite fulsome praise in both newspapers and general public acclaim this polished, pacy' show played to sparse audiences, particularly early in the season.”