Prince Music Theatre

The Prince Music Theater is a non-profit theatrical producing organization located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and specializing in music theatre, including opera, music drama, musical comedy and experimental forms. It was founded in 1984 as the American Music Theater Festival, by Marjorie Samoff, Eric Salzman and Ron Kaiserman. For over 15 years AMTF performed in various venues throughout Philadelphia. In March, 1999 AMTF moved into the renovated Midtown Theater and changed its name in honor of Harold Prince, the legendary Broadway producer and director.

Robert Whitelaw is the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees, effective July 2008. Marjorie Samoff is the President and Producing Director with Jim Griffith as Production Manager and Nancy Kathan as Artistic Administrator. Other staff members are listed as Amy Singer, Institutional Advancement; Carolyn Sims-Nesmith, Director of Education; Jerry West, Business Manager; Patrick Jefferys, Director of UpStages box office.

During the 2007-2008 season the organization suffered many severe set backs. Among these were a failed production of a new musical entitled A NIGHT IN THE OLD MARKETPLACE, which received universally bad reviews. Two Managing Directors came and left, Alex Fraser and Edward Hamilton. In January a new musical, DOLLFACE, was cancelled the night of its first preview with promises of a replacement show. No further mention or replacement was ever made after this initial statement. By March 2008 the organization laid-off numerous staff members including production, box office, marketing and artistic staff. A revised production of the 1957 Broadway show JAMAICA opened in May, 2008 with mixed reviews.

By mid-September, the beginning of the theatrical season, no mention of a 2008-2009 main stage season has been made. Only one show, "The World Goes Round", had been announced, but was then pulled from their website for weeks leaving many to wonder why, only to reappear at the end of August. They then shifted offices with no real explanation. Comparisons to the recent financial crisis at the Paper Mill Playhouse have been made. A new cabaret season has been announced. Many rumors have circulated regarding staff changes, board members and the company's closure.

Artistic benchmarks have included the world premieres of FLOYD COLLINS, 3HREE; CHASING NICOLETTE; GEMINI: THE MUSICAL; FRIDA; BLACK WATER; THE GREEN VIOLIN -- and acclaimed revivals of PAL JOEY, LADY IN THE DARK, DREAMGIRLS, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and HAIR.

External links

* [http://www.princemusictheater.org/home/ Prince Music Theater home page]