Sacandaga Park - Summer Theatre

How it ended
In the Spring before the start of the 1960 season, Anthony "Tony" Farrell negotiates a release from his contract because of illness. Two women from Gloversville, NY are interested in taking over the production of the theatre - they largely succeed and produce under the name Russell - Hayward Productions.

In March of 1961 a letter is written to the stockholders stating that Sacandaga Community Theatre, Inc has reached a point of crisis because of a lack of adequate support in the past season - "the theatre had not operated successfully". There also is no producer for the 1961 season. The Board of Directors believes that with a strong, concrete show of interest in the form of pre-season ticket sales, it is possible to find a suitable producer. The appeal to the stockholders does not succeed and the theatre is "dark" that summer.

In 1962 the theatre opens for a short (10-week) season, with 6 musicals and 4 comedies. The producers are Schaffer - Montanino - Milling Theatrical Productions. Arthur Rubinstein directs the 14 piece orchestra. The production that summer includes: West Side Story; Teahouse of the August Moon; Gigi; No Time for Sargeants; Pajama Game; Life with Father; Gypsy; The Boy Friend; and Anything Goes. It is the last season.

1963 - 1969 The Board of Directors tries for several years to hire a suitable producer - but to no avail.

In 1969 William Delia, individually and as a shareholder, sues Sacandaga Community Theatre on behalf of himself and other shareholders.

In 1970 the theatre goes on the auction block; it is then stripped of all but the concrete foundations.

How it ended In the Spring before the start of the 1960 season, Anthony "Tony" Farrell negotiates a release from his contract because of illness. Two women from Gloversville, NY are interested in taking over the production of the theatre - they largely succeed and produce under the name Russell - Hayward Productions. In March of 1961 a letter is written to the stockholders stating that Sacandaga Community Theatre, Inc has reached a point of crisis because of a lack of adequate support in the past season - "the theatre had not operated successfully". There also is no producer for the 1961 season. The Board of Directors believes that with a strong, concrete show of interest in the form of pre-season ticket sales, it is possible to find a suitable producer. The appeal to the stockholders does not succeed and the theatre is "dark" that summer. In 1962 the theatre opens for a short (10-week) season, with 6 musicals and 4 comedies. The producers are Schaffer - Montanino - Milling Theatrical Productions. Arthur Rubinstein directs the 14 piece orchestra. The production that summer includes: West Side Story; Teahouse of the August Moon; Gigi; No Time for Sargeants; Pajama Game; Life with Father; Gypsy; The Boy Friend; and Anything Goes. It is the last season. 1963 - 1969 The Board of Directors tries for several years to hire a suitable producer - but to no avail. In 1969 William Delia, individually and as a shareholder, sues Sacandaga Community Theatre on behalf of himself and other shareholders. In 1970 the theatre goes on the auction block; it is then stripped of all but the concrete foundations.
The demise of the theatre resulted from financial problems - the operation was too large and too costly for the locale and the times. Operational cost were largely born by the producer. The stockholders built the facilities but carried limited risk otherwise. When Anthony Farrell withdrew as the producer in 1960, the venture lost not only his connections in the entertainment world, but also the "deep pockets" required to plan, finance and produce a full season. It had been an admirable but short-lived attempt to bring back the past - times had changed ... forever.
Remnants of the theatre foundation (Fall 2002)	Remnants of the Services Building (Fall 2002)	NO MORE!
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