The Board of Directors of The Dayton Playhouse, Inc. (DPI) announced the cancellation of the March 8-17, 2019 production of To Kill a Mockingbird due to circumstances beyond the organization’s control.
DPI did everything correctly to acquire the rights to the Sergel adaptation of To Kill A Mockingbird; such rights were secured, and paid for properly, 14 months ago. However, the opening of the new production in New York has changed the business landscape and appears to have rendered DPI’s rights no longer valid.
The Board of Directors in partnership with legal counsel have thoroughly explored avenues to overcome these obstacles and present our production, but under threat of substantial legal action from Rudinplay the decision was made to cancel the production. Rudinplay holds the rights to the new production currently running on Broadway, also inspired by Harper Lee’s 1960 novel. The Board of Directors determined that DPI is not in a position to risk an expensive legal battle that could threaten the corporation’s future viability.
“We are in complete shock,” stated Matt Lindsay, Chair of the DPI Board of Directors. “I and the whole Board of Directors are devastated by this situation. I feel terrible for our artists, on stage and backstage, who poured their hearts into making something beautiful and meaningful, only to have it ended so suddenly.” The cast and crew have been hard at work on the production for weeks.
The Dayton Playhouse box office will be reaching out to purchasers of tickets to offer alternatives including tickets to another show, tax donation or simply a refund. DPI holds itself to a high standard of quality and professionalism. Please do not reach out to the box office – as DPI will be in touch with patrons within the next weeks.
The Board of Directors sincerely hopes this will not tarnish the theatre’s relationship with any of its patrons, who we value deeply. We are disappointed to be unable to present this beautiful play to our audiences. We will work tirelessly to retain their trust and patronage.
