On Nov. 4, 2025, the Bee Cave Development Corporation heard a funding request from Magnolia Musical Theater seeking $300,000 to produce The Addams Family in July–August 2026 but postponed a final decision to its next meeting and asked the group to submit a revised proposal.

Magnolia representative Andrew Cantana presented results from the company's 2025 season and a detailed budget for the 2026 production. Cantana told the board the company expects a 20‑performance run July 15–Aug. 15 with seating of 750–1,000, projected attendance of 11,500–12,500 and an overall production budget the company says can be contained at $300,000. He said the 2025 SpongeBob production drew more than 11,600 patrons, paid about 120 professionals, and generated strong community partnerships and social‑media growth.

The request included a breakdown of anticipated revenue and costs. Cantana reported planned payroll of about $170,000, a commitment to hire $13,000–$18,000 worth of workers from Bee Cave, expected sponsorships near $60,000, donations and concessions around $40,000, and additional program revenues (master classes, cabarets) that could add roughly $10,000. He said Magnolia would apply to the Texas Commission on the Arts (awards in the region are commonly $10,000–$25,000 and the program’s maximum is $75,000) and that the company had previously contributed personally to cover shortfalls.

Board members pressed for detail on the methodology behind Magnolia’s estimate of $400,000 in local economic impact and on the group’s sharper, more conservative projections of $200,000–$230,000. Directors also asked about declining grant and donation yields since 2021 and whether the production model could be altered (for example, ticketing or partnering with an indoor theater) to reduce reliance on city funding. Cantana said the original mission from the city was to offer free outdoor theater; he said he was open to charging or other models but that doing so would require fencing, ticket control and additional staff, and that the free model has been central to Magnolia’s local mission.

Discussion also covered whether the city should purchase equipment rather than continuing to rent. Cantana presented two purchase scenarios: a partial purchase (truss and some items, about $138,000) and a full equipment package including sound, lighting, truss and fencing (about $243,000). Board members raised storage, security, maintenance and warranty concerns and noted that owning expensive sound and lighting would create long‑term maintenance obligations.

After extended questioning about revenue, grants and the timing of expenditures, a board member moved to postpone action and request a revised application with clearer milestones and, if appropriate, an incremental funding schedule. The motion to postpone to the board’s next meeting (Dec. 2, 2025) passed by voice vote. The board opened and closed a public hearing with no public commenters prior to the postponement.

What happened next: the board directed Magnolia to submit a shorter, more focused application addressing (1) revenue assumptions and the survey methodology used to estimate economic impact, (2) an installment or staged payment schedule if feasible, (3) specifics on sponsorship and donation commitments, and (4) clear recommendations on capital purchases versus continued rentals. The board also asked staff to circulate any available PlaceForAI data or retailer traffic data that would help corroborate economic impact projections.

The postponement means the corporation did not approve funding at this meeting; the item will return to the board for a final decision after Magnolia submits the requested revisions.