Opera Australia

[Talissa]

www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19257213-16947,00.html

This isn't strictly related to anything, but I thought some people here might find this article interesting. It's highlighting parts of Opera Australia's annual report from last year, and especially the fact that they managed a 13% box office boost, largely due to the Warlow G&S double bill and the new La Boheme (Both of which I saw and enjoyed).

Now, if OA can manage this, then surely musical theatre audiences can't be as scarce as so many people are claiming, given the right incentives to see the shows. Although, looking at The Lion King, it seems to be fairly evident where at least some of the audience is

[Yonkers]

God knows why but there is always an audience for G & S. Most productions show a profit, reason being that there are no royalties due as they have all been out copyright for many years. Quite often you pay a comparitively small fee for orchestrations only.

[Talissa]

www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/05/29/1148754939530.html

Okay, well it hasn't been so optimistic everywhere, since apparently last year STC ended with their first loss in almost a decade. I imagine this year should be a better season for them, especially with Urinetown doing so well.

And I wouldn't say there's always an audience for G&S, but the most well-known ones, certainly. If OA tried something like say Utopia Limited or Grand Duke, I'd be incredibly surprised if they had the same success.

[Yonkers]

There is an audience for the well known G & S shows, that is what I meant and thought that was obvious.