07/21/2023
It is with deep regret that we announce the 2023 Theatre Bizarre season has been canceled.
A double-booking at the Masonic Temple has made an impossible situation that disrupts much of our main floor space, including our main entrance. We have a contract for the space and have been pressing for a resolution for some time. Unfortunately, it remains out of reach.
The Masonic Temple has been a tremendous partner for 11 years. We are hopeful this situation will be addressed and a glorious return produced in 2024.
To our dedicated leads, cast and crew who have been hard at work on performances, designs, and logistics, our hearts break with yours.
To our featured performers, who commit their time, vision and effort to their roles year-round, your immense talents will be sorely missed.
To our patrons from all across the country and beyond, whose experience has been denied, we share your disappointment and frustration.
To our many Detroit-area vendors and partners who will suffer a loss in revenue this year without this production, the impact this has weighs heavily on us.
This includes the Detroit Hostel, which we rent in its entirety for almost two weeks, caterers who will lose nearly $130,000 feeding our crew and patrons, the approximately $60,000 we spend on security, the Eastern Market farmer who will lose $15,000 in pumpkin sales, and the legendary Rocky Peanut Co., whose treats are enjoyed by our guests throughout the night. As well as the material suppliers, production houses, sound and lighting companies and countless other businesses that we rent from and work with. Not to mention the many Detroit-area hotels, restaurants and Uber and Lyft drivers that house, feed and transport nearly 10,000 patrons over the course of two weekends.
We appreciate all of you so much and could not have made it these 22 years without your passion, dedication, creativity, and blood, sweat and tears. With utmost commitment to each of you and the City of Detroit, we remain determined that The Greatest Masquerade On Earth will return in 2024.
With gratitude and love,
John Dunivant, Founder
Dawn Orebaugh, Controller
Maria Christian, General Manager
Zombo, Patron Saint