Prince Music Theatre
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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.
Howard Morgan is the current Chairman of the Board of Trustees, though he has resigned effective June 2008. Board member Robert Whitelaw is the incoming Chairman. Majorie Samoff is the President and Producing Director with Jim Griffith as Production Manager and Nancy Kathan as Artistic Administrator.
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 of 2008 the organization laid-off numerous staff members including production, box office, marketing and Associate Artistic Director Richard M. Parison, Jr. The theater has remained shuttered with no explanation. Many rumors have circulated regarding the company's fate.
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.