{"id":73715,"date":"2016-10-02T21:14:15","date_gmt":"2016-10-03T01:14:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=73715"},"modified":"2016-10-02T21:14:15","modified_gmt":"2016-10-03T01:14:15","slug":"players-of-uticas-production-of-scrooge-to-end-35-year-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=73715","title":{"rendered":"Players of Utica’s Production of “SCROOGE” to End 35-Year Run"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"1234696_10151777552110756_1143471818_n\"<\/a>Players of Utica\u2019s 35-year community tradition of\u00a0SCROOGE comes to an end this December. The production begun in 1981 as a main\u00a0fundraising event that helped to sustain the Players of Utica Theater on Oxford Road\u00a0in New Hartford. Rising production costs and declining profits have led to this decision\u00a0to end the tradition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe reason for ending the show is purely economic,\u201d Jo-Ann Mammone-Mox, Players\u00a0of Utica\u2019s board vice president of marketing and development said. \u201cWith increasing\u00a0costs in royalties, rents and wages, it is no longer profitable to keep the show going. It\u00a0is with a heavy heart that this decision was made as this show plays host to many \u00a0generations of families that share the stage or enjoy the performances each a year.\u201c<\/p>\n

Over the years, the cast has grown from 36 to more than 200 actors, crew and\u00a0volunteers. The show has been produced for 34 years; there was a 1-year break while\u00a0the Stanley Theatre underwent renovations. SCROOGE will see its final curtain at the\u00a0Stanley Theatre Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016.<\/p>\n

Players wishes to thank Director Peter Loftus, the community, the many cast\u00a0members, families and volunteers that have supported the Players of Utica Theatre\u00a0and shared our vision for the past 35 years. Events are in the works to celebrate this\u00a0long local history \u2013 details will be released in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

Those interested in participating in the final production of SCROOGE are asked to\u00a0save November 1 st and 2 nd for auditions \u2013 location and times to be announced once\u00a0secured.<\/p>\n

FINAL PUBLIC PERFORMANCES:<\/p>\n