Fullerton opera seeks city’s help

Despite its name, Fullerton Civic Light Opera has never received direct funding from the city of Fullerton, but now it’s asking for $400,000 from the city to fill a hole in its budget.

“2004 was not a good year,” said the group’s executive director, Griff Duncan.

The group has a $1.6-million budget this year and recently staged its most expensive show ever, the first locally produced “Miss Saigon” in the L.A. area. It cost at least $50,000 more than most of the group’s productions. But Duncan said the show also broke box office-records, drawing many Asian Americans to the theater. The show’s elaborate set will be rented by at least two other companies, so Duncan said he considers the show a worthwhile investment.

The city of Fullerton is not expected to take any immediate action but will consider the request during June discussions of the city’s 2005-06 budget.

Don Shirley