This time of year, cast members and organizers of the September Song community theater group are usually bustling about, getting ready for the opening of the troupe's annual musical theater production.
This year, that familiar cast of characters is bustling again. But this time, they're working on a one-night only fundraising performance aimed at keeping the lights from being dimmed on Carroll County's own touch of Broadway.
"There's No Business Like Show Business," a musical revue highlighting songs from past September Song productions and popular Broadway shows, will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Carroll County Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster.
The evening, which will feature a silent auction as well as a slide show from September Song's history, is designed to rally support for the group, which this year finds itself facing an uncertain future.
After producing a full-length musical production every September for the last 38 years, September Song this year halted plans to produce "Children of Eden" this year after its sponsors ane benefactors, CHANGE Inc. and the Carroll County Therapeutic Recreation Council, ended their relationship with the group.
"Musical theater is probably the most expensive art form there is," said Allen Cross, president of September Song's Board of Directors. "It was a business decision for them.
"Last year, ticket sales were not the best," Cross said. "It was a wake-up call for us."
It was the end of May, as auditions for "Children of Eden" were looming, when September Song posted on its website the announcement that, "we simply do not have the means to pursue a musical production for 2011."
"It was a hard decision to make," admitted Joan Eichhorn, the troupe's producer, about not having a show this year. "There was a real outburst from the community that they want us back."
But at the same time it made the announcement, members pledged that September Song, "is not gone for good. We are now shifting our focus to fund raising and securing sponsorships, so that we can hopefully return next year in a better position."
The Sept. 10 show is a step in that direction, designed to help produce the seed money and momentum to return in 2012. The group is now affiliated with the Community Foundation of Carroll County, and has a new board. A grant from the Carroll Arts Council, along with a sponsor, provided funds for the troupe to host Saturday's revue.
"The telling thing will be how many people actually come (to Saturday's show)," Eichhorn said. "If we can fill the auditorium, that would be wonderful."
The revue will feature 22 solo acts and two big group numbers, Eichhorn said, with music from "Annie," "Mame," "Gypsy," "Chicago," "Hello Dolly," "Sound of Music," and others. Many longtime "troupers" with September Song will appear to reprise the roles they've played in the past, and a live band will perform with some of the numbers.
"People will really like it," Eichhorn said of the show. "They will see people they know and hear songs they know."
"We hope to make it annual event," Cross said, of the revue. "It wouldn't be in the fall, but late spring, early summer."
Proceeds from the revue will benefit September Song. In the future, Eichhorn said, proceeds would be shared, with donations given to the hosting schools' art and music departments.
The group is also planning to make itself visible in the community. Members will make an appearance in Westminster's Fallfest parade, and will have a booth at the festival, too.
"We'll be back in 2012 with a big, Broadway show," Eichhorn promised. "We just need to make ourselves strong financially."
If you go
"There's No Business Like Show Business," a musical revue, will be presented by September Song on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster. Doors open at 7 p.m. The event will include a silent auction, as well as a slide show from past performances. Tickets are $15. For more information, visit http://www.september-song.org.