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Bee Cave holds public hearing on $125,000 BCDC request for Magnolia Musical Theater's 'SpongeBob' production
Summary
The Bee Cave Development Corporation asked the City Council during a public hearing for $125,000 to support Magnolia Musical Theater's production of the SpongeBob musical; council members expressed broad support but did not vote. A final vote will be scheduled for a future meeting.
The City Council of Bee Cave on March 11 heard a public hearing on a request from the Bee Cave Development Corporation (BCDC) to allocate $125,000 from BCDC funds to Magnolia Musical Theater for its planned production of the SpongeBob musical.
The request was presented by Chelsea Jimenez of city staff, who said the funding would come from the BCDC's 2024-25 budget. Andrew Kanata, executive artistic director and a co-founder of Magnolia Musical Theater, described the company's growth since launching in 2023 and detailed operations and outreach plans for the 2025 production.
Why it matters: The council must approve use of BCDC funds before the requested allocation can be released. Magnolia said the production draws regional audiences and provides paid theater jobs; the company says the show benefits local businesses near the Hill Country Galleria and increases overnight stays.
Magnolia's presentation said last year's Summer musical drew more than 11,500 attendees despite weather cancellations, paid 94 professionals living wages for the production, logged about 500 community service hours, donated roughly $2,500 in materials to local theaters and schools, and partnered with 17 sponsors. For 2025 the company said it expects nightly audiences between 750 and 1,000, with a potential total run attendance near 15,000 if there are no cancellations.
Council members repeatedly praised Magnolia's production values and economic impact during the hearing. Several members who attended past productions described being surprised by the show's scope and said it brought customers to local restaurants and retailers on performance nights. Kanata said Magnolia has provisionally secured the board's approval of the request and that he and the company will increase their personal fundraising commitment to help meet rising production costs.
No final vote: Mayor King told the theater representatives that council could not vote the same night because the item requires two readings; the council will consider final approval at a future meeting on March 25. The council did not take any funding action at the March 11 meeting.
Details for residents: Magnolia said it plans to run the production July 16 through Aug. 16 with shows Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. The company also described related events for the year, including cabarets and youth master classes, and committed to prioritizing Bee Cave businesses in sponsorships and visibility.
What's next: Council members said they will review the formal budget item and return for a vote at the March 25 meeting. Staff indicated the item will be presented then for final action.
