Since Dec. 13, when the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts board announced that they would not use the Florida Theatrical Association to present Broadway tours in the $386 million facility, the local cultural community has buzzed.
The impasse seemed insurmountable after both sides dug in their heels with dueling memos. Stories in the Orlando Sentinel and Orlando Weekly spotlighted the differences between the parties.
But DPAC and FTA are talking, and both parties appear hopeful that an agreement can be reached.
“We are in negotiations on a beneficial partnership that is in the best interest of the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts,” said Treva Marshall, who handles public relations for DPAC. “Once an agreement is reached and approved, we will make a formal and joint announcement.”
FTA president Ron Legler confirmed that the parties are working toward an agreement.
FTA has produced shows at the antiquated Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre for 24 years. Many say they have built the audience that will fill DPAC’s 2,700-seat Disney Theater when it opens in the fall of 2014. In a Jan. 7 memo, Legler called DPAC’s decision “short-sighted” and indicated FTA would continue to present Broadway shows at a different local venue.
In his Jan. 10 reply, DPAC board chairman Jim Pugh argued that the “difficult decision” to self-produce would save $700,000 annually and reflects a model used by an increasing number of performing arts centers. “Our public partners expect us to run this as a business,” wrote Pugh.
On Jan. 22, the Sentinel reported that Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and prominent DPAC donors like Disney ($12.5 million) and the Orlando Magic ($10 million) asked the DPAC board to reconsider its decision to disassociate from FTA. The following day, Legler announced that he had secured The Book of Mormon – the hottest ticket on Broadway – to head FTA’s 2013-2014 season at Bob Carr.
