Organizers of the annual Theater Festival have officially revealed the name, logo and slogan for the event set to begin in 2021. The Festival of musical shows will be called the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival, with the slogan, “On, Off and Beyond Broadway.”
Present at the unveiling were; Ed Sayles (Artistic Director for Merry Go Round Playhouse), Michael Quill (Mayor of Auburn), Meg Vanek (Executive Director of the Cayuga County Office of Tourism), Dr. Daniel Larson (President of Cayuga Community College) and Andrew Fish (Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce). The festival is projected to bring 150,000 tourists and generate $30 million in ticket sales, dining, lodging, and related activities for the city of Auburn. Meg Vanek pointed out that studies done by her organization indicated that each travel party would spend around $900 in the region. Current efforts are underway with ongoing construction at State Street for the new performance center and new hotel. Sponsors of the event hope that additional businesses will look to open in the area (including Image Agent) in order to take advantage of the influx of new tourists.
Ed Sayles stated that the annual event will produce multiple shows at four venues in and around Auburn every summer beginning in 2012. A pilot show will be presented this Summer at Auburn Public Theater; “The Calamari Sisters” and will run from July 13 through August 20th as part of the Merry Go Round Season. Merry Go Round opens it’s first show this year on June 1st with the musical “Anything Goes”.
Below you may view the video intro to the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. You can also join the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
The FLX is sitting on the edge of excellence. This festival will give way to a true economic boost within the region including tourism, jobs, and I’m sure much more. Let us know your thoughts!