By Laura Spencer
Kansas City,MO – A $13.4 million renovation of the Music Hall launched last month. And when the work is finished next year, officials say it's likely the venue will be marketed and booked by a national firm in partnership with the nonprofit Starlight Theatre Association. The issue is expected to come before the Kansas City Council today (August 9)for a vote, as KCUR's Laura Spencer reports.
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For 30 years, the nonprofit Theatre League has presented Broadway musicals and other productions across the country and in Kansas City, and for fifteen years, at the Music Hall. Earlier this year, the city put the booking contract for the venue out for bid...and in June, a city council committee recommended the national firm Live Nation over the Kansas City-based Theatre League. Oscar McGaskey, Jr. is the Director of the Convention and Entertainment Centers department and says it came down to finances.
OSCAR: Basically, they had a better financial package, which provided the city 36% more in revenues from rent earnings, as compared to the Theatre League.
The Finance and Audit committee yesterday advanced the recommendation to enter into a seven year exclusive agreement with PACE Theatrical Group, Inc., a subsidiary of Live Nation to bring Broadway productions to the Music Hall. And the City Council is expected to vote on the issue this afternoon (August 9) at the legislative session. The current contract with the Theatre League expires on August 31. Laura Spencer, KCUR News.