Poor ticket sales push musical off stage

Beth Taylor, 9, has rehearsed for the show since February. Picture / Greg Bowker

Rising showbusiness stars are disappointed that Auckland Children's Musical Theatre is cancelling its latest production because of slow ticket sales.

The theatre planned to celebrate its tenth anniversary and over 20 productions with singing and dancing shows at SkyCity theatre this week from Wednesday to Sunday.

But children's theatre executive producer Lynne Drexler said yesterday that ticket sales to date for Steppin' Out were half what were expected.

Losses of $40,000 to $60,000 were expected after putting on shows for school groups during the week, a gala performance on Friday night and two performances on September 3.

"We haven't the numbers we need to afford it. We told the cast yesterday we had to close - it's a big disappointment to everybody after three months' rehearsals."

Ms Drexler said the review of Broadway hit songs had a cast of 100 young people and adults.

"The kids are talented, wonderful people and some have been with us the 10 years."

She said ticket prices at $15 to $30 each were aimed at attracting families, groups, senior citizens and school children. But a show had to bear costs of hiring the venue and technical input.

"We'd be happy to break even but this time the shortfall is more than we can handle."

Ms Drexler said she still hoped enough funds could be raised to put on a smaller performance at another venue to ease the cast's disappointment.

Yesterday, was supposed to have been the first time 9-year-old Beth Taylor of Henderson received her costumes for a dozen items in the show - after practising since February.

"We've been working our hearts out for the show and I'm really sad," she said.

"Mum has bought me the costumes and, like, most of my friends were coming with their families and they are disappointed too."