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Bee Cave council approves $30,000 in hotel-occupancy-tax funds for Magnolia Musical Theater
Summary
After extended discussion about funding priorities and fundraising, the Bee Cave City Council approved $30,000 from the hotel-occupancy-tax promotion-of-the-arts allocation for Magnolia Musical Theater’s 2026 production of The Addams Family.
The Bee Cave City Council approved a $30,000 hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) funding request for Magnolia Musical Theater’s 2026 summer production of The Addams Family.
Andrew Kanata, Magnolia’s executive artistic director, presented audience and hotel-night data and said the group focuses marketing outside Bee Cave to draw visitors. Kanata said past shows drew thousands of attendees and that the organization expects to drive hotel stays; “my goal is to get 35 to 40 rooms this year,” he told the council, describing promotional plans with Sonesta and other outreach to increase room nights.
Council members probed the funding mix and long-term sustainability. One council member expressed reservations that the total public and private contributions to the production (including a prior BCDC allocation and a Galleria commitment) left the city carrying a large portion of the event cost. That council member said, in part, “I see a big chunk from us… it’s a little difficult for me,” and asked whether the city should have a stronger advisory role or board presence if it is investing heavily.
Magnolia’s board president urged council to approve the one-time request, saying that the funds would help the organization build operating coffers for future years. After discussion — including recommendations to develop a strategic plan for HOT funds and greater city involvement in fundraising oversight — council voted to approve the $30,000 allocation from the city’s promotion-of-the-arts HOT funds.
