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Broadway Alaska Programming Paused Until 2026
The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts (ACPA) has revealed a significant pause in its Broadway Alaska initiatives, extending through the 2025–2026 season. This suspension includes the anticipated performance of Disney’s The Lion King. The decision, reached in partnership with Nederlander, is primarily driven by increasing operational expenses and a focus on achieving long-term financial viability.
Codie Costello, President & COO of ACPA and General Manager of Broadway Alaska, emphasized the gravity of this decision. “This decision was not made lightly, but it is necessary to ensure the long-term health of our organization and the quality of experience we provide to both artists and audiences,” she remarked.
This development impacts other previously planned productions, including Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Beetlejuice, which were set to take the stage in Anchorage.
During her address at the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Make it Monday forum, Costello elaborated on the rationale behind the pause, highlighting urgent concerns related to life safety and the need for upgrades to vital infrastructure within the facility. “We will be conducting a thorough facility assessment with a contractor to evaluate essential life safety requirements, ADA compliance, and enhancements to the experiences of patrons and artists,” she stated. “The pressing issues primarily revolve around life safety and infrastructure upgrades, which have placed a considerable strain on our operating budget.”
Since its inception in 1988, ACPA has struggled with a lack of investment in essential maintenance. Costello noted, “The last comprehensive facility assessment occurred in 2011. While some issues have been addressed since then, many others require reevaluation. With rising costs since 2011, securing a current assessment is critical to properly planning capital campaigns that reflect today’s financial and technological realities.”
In response to these challenges, ACPA has submitted a capital funding request to the state, seeking to complement financial commitments already made by the Municipality of Anchorage. “We have also requested matching funds to address life safety projects related to fire suppression and our elevators. The freight elevator, in particular, is crucial to our operations,” Costello explained.
As the operations manager, ACPA has previously pointed to wider financial pressures, such as escalating building maintenance costs, increased security requirements, and higher transportation expenses for touring shows—challenges that have intensified in light of broader economic and political shifts.
“Since reopening after COVID, we have been confronted with rising costs linked to pressing deferred maintenance, greater security needs, and the mounting expense of transportation for securing touring engagements,” Costello commented. “This pause will allow us to secure necessary investments that will help us maintain and enhance our venue for the future.”
Costello has assured stakeholders that ACPA is pursuing financial support from local, state, and philanthropic sources, affirming, “We will keep you updated as we make progress. Your commitment to the arts and our community is vital to what we do, and together we can navigate this period with resilience and hope.”
Looking ahead, Costello expressed optimism that Broadway Alaska could return in the 2026–2027 season. “Achieving that will depend on aligning many factors, but that is our goal,” she concluded.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com