The Waco Hippodrome Theatre isn’t ready to get razed for now.

Life will return to the facility with the three shows remaining in its 2009-10 season, thanks to donations and negotiations with touring productions that were willing to help the theater after it closed Feb. 25 because of financial problems.

Christy Rolf, president of the Waco Performing Arts Company that manages the theater, 724 Austin Ave., said the WPAC board decided earlier this week to continue with the remainder of the season after fee reductions negotiated with the shows and some $10,000 in local donations.

The productions are “Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway,” “The Little Engine That Could” and “Three Redneck Tenors: Broadway Bound.”

Rolf said an advisory committee charged previously with looking at a long-range plan for the theater recommended the WPAC find a way to finish the season.

It was a sentiment echoed by Waco Mayor Virginia DuPuy.

Individuals holding tickets to the “One Night of Queen” production will have to wait for refunds, possibly until the summer.

They can, though, exchange their tickets for passes to both “100 Years of Broadway” and “Three Redneck Tenors,” Rolf said.

A budget shortfall, aggravated by poor ticket sales, caused the WPAC to close the theater.

Plans for a 2010-11 season have been shelved.

WPAC will honor season ticket seats for the three productions.

It will sell remaining tickets for $25 each for “100 Years” and “Three Redneck Tenors” and $5 for “Little Train,” hoping the lower price will boost sales.

Tickets are available at the Waco Hippodrome’s Web site at www.wacoperformingarts. org, or by calling 752-9797 and leaving a message.

WPAC laid off the Hippodrome office staff effective Feb. 26. Volunteers and board members will handle ticket orders and ticket-holder notification.

Performance dates will stay the same for “The Little Engine That Could,” April 8-9, and “Three Redneck Tenors,” April 24. But a two-night outing of “100 Years of Broadway” will be limited to just March 19.

Cancellation of a performance, with the permission of the touring production, saved WPAC $10,000.

The production’s management offered suggestions to help the theater trim its costs even more, Rolf said.

WPAC officials hope community support can help them come up with $27,000 and 30 hotel rooms.

“That would save us an immense amount,” Rolf said.

The theater is far from leaving behind its financial problems.

Board members will continue to seek funds to pay off “One Night of Queen” ticket refunds requested for that show; creditors owed money for goods and services; and a $9,200 monthly tab for utilities and building insurance, Rolf said.

choover@wacotrib.com

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