If you want to make a lot of money, don’t invest in musical theater. If you want a quick return, that’s not us either. So why, oh why, would you want to put your money behind a show like this?

 Stand by for the big block of text.

Why this? Why Now?

A facet of theater audiences on Broadway that is often overlooked are those under 18. Over two million of them per season in the years leading up to the shutdown came with their families, and that’s not counting the adults buying tickets as well. If family oriented shows are savvy enough to draw in the older demographics as well with entries like Matilda and Billy Elliot, they can exceed expectations for most new musicals. These shows were, and still are, huge successes, and we are following that model. Set in the dying embers of the Gilded Age, The Tent of Stars is unapologetically written to be a commercial venture. Yes, it has a lot to say, but a lofty message is wasted on empty seats. We want to fill not two seats but a family’s worth. At the same time, it needs to have the depth to attract that thinking audience. I think I have found that balance.

It’s a book musical, meaning the plot leads the songs, but it’s also dance-heavy, incorporating tap, ballet, and acro. A brass band marches through the audience. A banjo band backs up Mark Twain, Tom, and Huck’s sand dancing. Alix sells popcorn to the audience. There are Martinshorn fanfares. Madam Ravin sends the moon out over the crowd and turns it into a mirror ball. In the end, the entire theater is surrounded by infinity.

Despite all this, the staging is flexible and simple. It is a single-set show, with all the action taking place in or around a canvas tent. There are ten characters and eight in the chorus. Two are twelve or so, which adds a layer of expense but also provides the emotional impact the story needs to make its case. One of them is transgender, a first and controversial step for the stage. The most significant cost is having the period band onstage in costume for most of the show. Whereas most of the magic is period using a technique called ‘dark magic,’ there are also technical aspects that would require some expertise, including an audio surprise never used in theatre before, so we are heading into fresh territory with this one. More importantly, a musical is only as good as its music. There are show-stoppers and 21 tunes to go home whistling. The Obligatory Big Time Dance Bit, anyone?

Production History

This show began its life in the early ’80s as a one-act for a theme park, but the tragic death of the director’s child stopped it before it even got into production. Parts of it reemerged in the late ’80s in a vaudeville show in Arizona, but with the plot stripped out, leaving only some of the routines. When the world went quiet in 2020, I took another look at “The Show that Never Was” and poured everything I had learned into the tent I had envisioned forty years prior. What it became surprised me. All the ghosts of my life were waiting to tell their stories, which, in turn, became one story for the benefit of the living they still cared about.

It got a Zoom reading on Ken Davenport’s Theatermakers Workshop, then back into revisions, some dramaturgy by Ryan Scott Oliver, a consult from J.J. Malley, and finally, another round of dramaturgy from Miss Hazel Jade, well known as a fixer for Broadway and West End productions. She liked it so much that she asked to direct it, and after a quick interview, she got the position.

Where do we go from here? 

Its next step is critical. We have assembled props, built musical instruments from scratch, finished Piano/Vocals scores, and started the orchestrations. We will be heading to NYC for a star-studded industry showcase in the spring of 2025; then, from there, we plan to take it for a big one-night production in London’s West End to give us the visibility to attract big-time producers. 

But there is still a long way to travel, and time is of the essence. Let’s break down the financials:

The NYC showcase will cost $20,000.00, but before we can properly stage it, we also need $30,000 for magic props, plus the funding for the expertise to use them. I have been experimenting with a speaker array that uses ultrasonic carrier waves. When they hit a solid object (in this case, the audience), the waveform collapses, leaving an audible signal. It really sounds like a voice in your head. They have been used in museums but never in clusters for wide dispersal. But those units are not cheap either, and they may not be feasible within a realistic budget.

 The average development cost for a full Broadway musical of this size is around $20 Million. If you go to the West End for a first production, that will decrease the initial runs cost, and some of those can be defrayed to a U.S production, and the touring show after that. 

There are other considerations as well. The majority of Broadway successes now are jukebox musicals, with songs everyone already knows and is comfortable with. Many of those are also based on existing intellectual property, such as movies, rock stars, TV series, and popular novels. 

But most of the ones with staying power are the originals. Avenue Q, Hamilton, The Book of Morman, Something Rotten, Cats, Rent, a Chorus Line, Sunday at the Park with George, Into the Woods, Company, The Prom, Urintown, Hadestown, Falsettos, The Drowsy Chaperone, Dear Evan Hanson, and more have all gone on to great financial success with word wide stagings and notoriety. Don’t forget those Tony’s, either.

 All this is going into unknown territory with what looks to be an old-fashioned musical. We need champions who believe in what is at the top of our poster. I know I do. 

Still with me? 

Then, here’s the scoop on investing in musicals. It can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, both financially and personally. However, it’s important to understand the basics, risks, and perks involved. Here’s what you need to know about investing in “In The Tent of Stars.

There are three levels.

1. Nonresidual support: This is signing up for our Patreon page, donations through crowd funding, etc. There are perks depending on what level you donate at, but it is still that. A donation given because you believe in what we do and would like to help us achieve our goels. Honestly, in most musical theater, this is every level of investing, as most investors don’t expect a return, anyway.
2. Non-accredited investor: Now were into levels where  federal and state trade laws come into play. These are a good thing, as they were designed to protect investors for high-risk investments such as theater. Joining as a non-accredited investor means you must have an annual income or net worth of less than $100,000, and then you can invest more than $2,000 or 5 percent of the lesser of his or her annual income or net worth. If the investor has more than $100,000, he or she can invest 10 percent of the lesser of his or her annual income or net worth.
3. Accredited investor: To invest at this level means you must prove you have and annual income of $200,000 a year for the past two years (or a household annual income of $300,000) with the expectation that it will continue, or Net worth of $1 million or more, excluding the investor’s primary residence.

 These last two are “Lawyer & contract ” negotiations overseen by investment law. They involve the following:

Investment Basics

•  Minimum Investment: $10,000. This is the entry point for becoming an investor in our production.

• Potential Returns: Broadway shows can yield significant returns if they are successful. Investors receive a share of the profits proportional to their investment. However, returns are not guaranteed.

• Duration: Investments are typically committed for the life of the production, which includes the Broadway run and potential tours or other productions.

Understanding the Risks

• Speculative Nature: Investing in theater is highly speculative. While some shows become hits and offer substantial returns, others may not recoup their initial investment.

• Loss Potential: There is a real risk of losing your entire investment. It’s important to invest only what you can afford to lose.

• Market Fluctuations: The success of a show can be influenced by numerous factors, including market trends, critical reviews, and audience reception.

Perks for Investors

• Exclusive Access: Investors receive early access to rehearsals, previews, and opening night performances.

• Special Events: Invitations to meet-and-greet events with the cast and crew, including post-show receptions and exclusive investor gatherings.

• Recognition: Investors are acknowledged in the show’s program and on our website, providing public recognition of your support. The most significant investors appear above the title, and are thus Tony eligible.

• Insider Updates: Regular updates on the show’s progress, including behind-the-scenes insights and production milestones.

Important Considerations

• Due Diligence: Conduct thorough research and due diligence before making an investment. Understand the production team’s track record and the show’s potential market appeal.

• Legal and Financial Advice: Consult with legal and financial advisors to understand the implications of your investment, including tax considerations and contract terms.

• Diversification: Consider diversifying your investments to spread risk. Investing in multiple shows or other asset classes can help manage overall investment risk.

Is it for you? That’s for you to judge. If you want to talk about that, we will make the connections for you. 

How to Invest

• Review Offering Documents: Carefully review the offering documents, which detail the financial and legal aspects of the investment.
• Consult Advisors: Speak with your financial and legal advisors to ensure the investment aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
• Commitment: Once you decide to invest, complete the necessary paperwork and transfer the funds as directed.

And in conclusion…

Investing in a Broadway show like “In The Tent of Stars” offers a unique opportunity to be part of an exciting and potentially lucrative venture. While the risks are significant, the rewards—both financial and experiential—can be substantial. By understanding the basics, considering the risks, and taking advantage of the perks, you can make an informed decision about your investment.