QUINCY, Fla. (WTXL) — Quincy Music Theatre is opening Merrily We Roll Along Friday night, continuing its season despite losing state arts funding earlier this year.
- Earlier this year, the theatre lost state arts funding but successfully secured a grant to cover essential production costs, including props, costumes, and set design.
- Quincy Music Theatre is set to open Merrily We Roll Along tomorrow, one of its most ambitious shows of the season.
- Watch the video below to hear the cast share how the grant and community support are helping the theatre bring the show to the stage.
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Quincy Music Theatre is putting the final touches on Merrily We Roll Along ahead of Friday night’s opening — a milestone that comes after financial uncertainty. The theatre was one of many across Florida affected by statewide arts funding cuts, losing the support they’ve relied on for years.
To help fill the gap, the theatre applied for a separate grant — and was approved. Leaders say that funding has helped cover essential production needs, from costumes to set materials, keeping this season on track.
Olga Connolly, the interim executive director of Quincy Music Theater, said, “After a year without the grant I think we were waiting and hoping and when it came through there was great celebration. Definitely it was a long year without one, and so we have wind under our wings now.”
And with opening night around the corner, the cast says they’re ready to take the stage and show audiences exactly what their support has made possible.
Ty Stone, who plays Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along, said, “When those audiences show up it’s good to know that they will walk away probably knowing or seeing something new that they’ve never see before and it’s cool to just showcase art like that… it’s always good to see that people are here to support your art in a time where it’s very much needed.”
The cast says this production is a celebration of resilience — and the people who stood behind them when they needed it most. They hope this weekend’s performances will not only entertain audiences, but also show why sustaining local arts remains so important. The show will run from December 5 all the way until December 14.
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