Revival Theatre canceling ‘Sunset Boulevard’

Officials base decision on financial concerns in staging the large-scale production

Aug. 9, 2023 4:15 pm, Updated: Aug. 9, 2023 5:01 pm

Janelle Lutz stars as Judy Garland in Revival Theatre Company's 2021 production of "End of the Rainbow." Another musical about a star's faded glory, "Sunset Boulevard," is being canceled over financial considerations. It was to be the professional theater troupe's final show of the 2023 season. Revival will be back in 2024, celebrating its 10th anniversary season, to be announced this fall. (Courtesy of Revival Theatre Company)

CEDAR RAPIDS — Revival Theatre Company is canceling its production of “Sunset Boulevard,” because of financial considerations. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical was slated to play on the Theatre Cedar Rapids stage in late September.

“Our board believes to go forward without adequate funding for ‘Sunset Boulevard’ would not be fiscally responsible,” said Lori Maach, the professional troupe’s board president. She added that Revival Theatre relies not only on ticket sales, but on donors, sponsors and grants, as well.

To produce the large-scale show at this time “would have a negative financial impact on our actors, musicians, production team, local businesses, and our community,” Maach said.

The cancellation allows Revival Theatre (RTC) to focus on 2024 and its 10-year anniversary season. In anticipation of its 10th year, RTC has been working on stewardship, outreach, and long-term financial strategy. Officials plan to announce the 2024 season this fall and hold at least one other event in 2023.

“This was a difficult decision for our board on the heels of an emotionally challenging year for us,” Maach said. “We are still grieving the loss of our co-founder, Cameron Sullenberger, while trying to move our nonprofit theater organization forward. We are determined to continue Cameron’s legacy in a way that would make him proud.

“We recognize that people may be disappointed in this decision to cancel,” she said, “but our board believes it is the necessary and responsible thing to do.”

“This is not a curtain call for Revival Theatre Company,” co-founder and artistic director Brian Glick said. “This is a reset for our next act. And we all know the second act is almost always better than the first.”

Ticket holders for “Sunset Boulevard” may request a refund through the Theatre Cedar Rapids Box Office, (319) 366-8591, or donate the ticket proceeds to RTC. Any donors who gave specifically to fund this production may also request a refund. Donors will be contacted via mail.