After several ‘financially challenging’ years, the beloved theatrical event will take a one-year hiatus
“After six financially challenging seasons due to weather, COVID, increased expenses and an industry-wide decrease in the theater-going public,” begins a statement distributed a few days ago to donors, sponsors, past participants and volunteers, and the press, “the Mountain Play has decided to take a season off from its signature event on Mount Tamalpais to both raise funds and plan for a sustainable future.”
Along with this announcement came a request for community support in deciding upon a “future direction” for the Marin County nonprofit that has been staging elaborate musicals at the Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mt. Tamalpais for over 100 years.
“Like many nonprofit organizations, and nearly all performing arts organizations in the country, Mountain Play Association took a huge hit from the pandemic closure of two back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021,” the media release explained. “After two dark years with government support, the organization was still alive in fall 2021, but returning to Mount Tamalpais has proven to be a much bigger challenge than anyone could have anticipated.”
Citing significantly lower audience numbers at its 2022, 2023, and 2024 shows (“Hello Dolly,” “Into the Woods” and “Kinky Boots,” in order), the organization’s Executive director and Artistic Producer Eileen Grady said the theater industry at large is facing rapidly rising post-pandemic production, labor and material expenses.
“It’s time to take a breather,” Grady said. “This isn’t the end or anything. We fully intend to be back in 2026. And we plan to have a number of smaller events throughout the year, throughout Marin County.”
During the coming hiatus, Grady said her team will examine several ways to proceed sustainably, perhaps reimagining the Mountain Play for a changing world. What that means will, in part, be up to the theatergoing public itself.
“The Mountain Play looks forward to including our community in the planning conversations through surveys, focus groups, and special events”, Grady. “While saddened to not have our signature event this season, we are excited to begin this process and share our plans for the future with you.”
Meanwhile, the organization is moving full steam ahead with its annual fundraising event at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. Titled “Funding the Future
a Musical Celebration to Benefit the Mountain Play,” the rousing evening, including a three-course dinner and live entertainment, will take place Saturday, November 9, at 5 p.m.
For additional information, tickets to the gala fundraiser, or to find out how to participate in planning the future of The Mountain Play, visit Mountainplay.org.
