A new company (with Sally Struthers) steps in for ailing Fullerton musical theater group

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The fate of the FCLO Music Theatre in Orange County was thrown into question in December when the 39-year-old company reported a major cash-flow crisis after subscription renewals plunged 20%. On Wednesday, the FCLO (formerly Fullerton Civic Light Opera) said that it has not been able to secure funding for its February production of ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’ but said that three outside theater companies are reaching out to worried ticketholders.

In a statement sent out Wednesday, Griff Duncan, FCLO’s general manager, said that 3D Theatricals -- a relatively new Southern California theater company -- plans to produce ‘Chaperone’ and the remainder of FCLO’s season in the company’s time slot at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. 3D has said it will honor FCLO tickets, including date, row and seat number, without any charge.

Ticketholders can contact 3D at (714) 589-2770 for exchanges and more information.

Duncan said in a phone interview that FCLO won’t realize any revenue from the productions by 3D at the Plummer. In addition to ‘Chaperone,’ the company’s current season was supposed to have included ‘All Shook Up,’ ‘Pump Boys and Dinettes’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz.’

FCLO said that 3D has hired actress Sally Struthers to appear in its upcoming production of ‘Chaperone.’

FCLO also said that it has made special arrangements with Musical Theatre West at the Carpenter Center and McCoy Rigby Entertainment / La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts for a ticket-for-ticket exchange whereby FCLO tickets will be honored to attend their shows.

Duncan said that FCLO is in ‘active pursuit’ of funding and that several fundraising opportunities are being planned. 3D Theatricals launched in 2009 and has produced a number of stage shows around Orange County. The company reportedly extended an offer to the cash-strapped Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove to produce the annual ‘The Glory of Christmas’ pageant that had been canceled. But church officials turned down the offer.

-- David Ng

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