PRESS RELEASE
It is with a heavy heart that, due to some significant challenges, the board of Hamilton Operatic Society, in consultation with the creative team, has made the decision to postpone our 2023 season of Jersey Boys.
Some of the factors that led to this difficult decision include the timing of the season as it conflicted with other creative performances, significant absences during rehearsal time, casting constraints, undue pressure on the cast due to the absence of understudies, and the very tight time-line for the transport of the set combined with the unpredictability of the Cook Strait ferry.
Overlaying all this is the unfortunate reality that COVID continues to have a significant and damaging impact on the broader theatre community in terms of rehearsal and performance schedules, casting and contingency planning. In recent months we have seen the impact this has had on Waikato productions of Anastasia, Back to the 80s, Grease and other local and New Zealand wide productions.
Over the past two years, our cast, creatives, crew, technical support, and volunteers have worked tirelessly to bring the Society back on an even keel financially and the Board is acutely aware of this fiscal responsibility. Were the show to be cancelled before or even during the season, it could result in unprecedented financial loss and take many years of recovery.
We know this is a very disappointing outcome and would like to reassure you that once our venue and dates are confirmed for a 2024 season, we will apply for the rights again.
As always, we appreciate the support of our members, our HOS family, and the creative community and look forward to bringing the magic of musical theatre to the community in the very near future.
