‘The Sound of Music’

Press, 9 April 1979, Page 20

‘The Sound of Music’

Sir, — I wish to protest most strongly over the decision of Amalgamated Theatres to show a re-run of “The Sound of Music,” in direct competition with the Christchurch Operatic

Society’s production of the same musical. Does Amalgamated Theatres realise the cost involved in staging a large musical like this? The budget for “The Sound of Music” is approximately $30,000. Being amateur, the Operatic Society’s income is solely derived by theatre receipts from its own productions, and to recoup $30,000 needs practically full houses. This society has become Christchurch’s leading amateur musical theatre group by standing on its own feet with no help from any local body or the Government. It needs the support of Christchurch theatregoers. — Yours, etc., LYNDEN CARR. March 31, 1979.

[Mr Michael Moodabe, publicity director for Amalgamated Theatres, Ltd, replies: “The circumstances resulting in our five-day season were largely beyond our control. We had intended to open the film, “Jesus of Nazareth” at the Carlton on Friday, March 30. Due to the industrial situation that existed at the Christchurch Airport at the time, it was discovered two days before our opening that one half of the film was missing. To almost the “eleventh hour” we held off hoping that the missing reels would arrive. Unfortunately, they did not. Because there was then virtually no time available to make a “new” attraction change, and/or advise the public, we decided to release “The Sound of Music” which was on hand in Christchurch and had actually been scheduled for an Easter release after the conclusion of the Operatic Society’s production. We also were aware of the fact that large numbers of patrons would be coming to the Carlton over the week-end expecting to see “Jesus of Nazareth” and thus the substitute attraction had to be carefully chosen and one that would appeal to this audience. “The Sound of Music” was the .logical, and obvious choice. As soon as the missing reels were located the decision was made to terminate “The Sound of Music” season and open “Jesus of Nazareth” on Thursday, April 5. It was not Amalgamated Theatres’ intention to compete with the Operatic Society (in fact we had telephone contact with them some time ago regarding the future screenings of the film version), but as I have said above the circumstances were largely out of our control at the time.”]