‘Beauty' a real blockbuster for VPA

Feb. 6, 2007

BY DIMITRA LAVRAKAS

Frontiersman

WASILLA - The Beast is not meant to be a pretty sight, but throngs of Valley residents are trying to get a peek.

Valley Performing Arts latest show, the Disney version of &#8220Beauty and the Beast,” is a sold-out success, according to Larry Bottjen, VPA artistic director. Right now, the group is trying to line up more performances to meet the demand.

&#8220We're planning to add more show dates, but with a band and performers - that's 54 people - trying to rearrange their schedules, that's tough,” he said Monday.

VPA aimed high with this show, hoping for sold-out shows that would simultaneously pay off debts, and nurture a whole new group of theater goers.

The risk is underscored by a list of the group's &#8220largest” firsts: Largest cast ever, largest crew ever, largest budget ever, largest royalty payment ever, largest stage ever, largest number of costumes ever, largest number of shows ever, and largest attendance ever; and a new first for VPA - quickest sellout ever.

&#8220It was a gargantuan effort,” Bottjen said.

Royalties cost $500 per show or $11,500 for the whole run - contributing to a $12,000 debt racked up before the Beast even stomped out onto the boards.

But the risk totally turned things around, he said.

&#8220We've paid off every bit of debt we have and we're in the black for the first time in years, and still, we'll be making quite a bit of money,” he said.

Profit aside, Bottjen said, VPA hoped to show more people the thrill of seeing a live show.

Developing a future audience base is essential to the theater's continued presence in the community.

&#8220There are comments like, ‘This is the best show we've ever seen ever' and ‘We wish we knew about you before,'” he said are encouraging.

But the overheard comment of a 3-year-old is what really sticks with him.

&#8220It was magic,” she said.

&#8220To be able to delight a 3-year-old was so meaningful to me,” Bottjen said. &#8220We've worked for years to get folks into the VPA - to show them there's more to entertainment than renting a DVD.”

Bottjen said that, while VPA likes to do new, challenging plays, that's not what attracts a large audience.

&#8220We can do cutting-edge theater and have 700-800 people for the run or have a family show that attracts 4,000,” he said. &#8220If this theater has to survive on ticket sales, we have to respond to what the community wants. And family rules.”

Bottjen said the response has been satisfying for all the members of the production.

&#8220The phones are ringing off the hook, but at the same time, I can't wipe that smile off my face,” he said.

Contact Dimitra Lavrakas at 352-2269 or valleylife@

frontiersman.com.