Do You Know Todrick Hall?

You mean this guy?

Todrick Hall scammer

Toddrick had Diana DeGarmo on the website, but she wasn't it that show.

Here is the video with Toddrick in Nashville;

Nashville news story about Rodrick's musical

I think that's the guy that stole my bike.

Oh man, you guys are really reaching here. Seeing how Todrick is such a common first name.

From former OZ cast member Tierinii Jackson. She tweeted this the week the Oz musical went belly up in Alabama (June 2009):

I SO BADLY WANT TO CALL SOMEONE OUT BUT I CANT BECAUSE I CARE TOO MUCH ABOUT THEM AS A PERSON AND THEIR REPUTATION....YOU LIVE AND YOU LEARN

things happen i'm very happy to have met EVERYONE that i've met throughout this experience including the director &; the cast &; the crew!

http://twitter.com/audiodelight901

She went on to star in another of Todrick's shows that fall and is supporting him on AI. It seems like the general attitude is they think he's done sucky, stupid things but they like him anyway. He's definitely got the charm angle all worked out where he can probably con anybody into not blaming him when they don't get paid or when things fall apart. I'm starting to think most of the cast members will be like Tierinii and cover for Todrick's failures. The cast was most definitely PISSED at him last summer when the show was suddenly canceled while they were in Alabama.

Someone please seek the truth before besmirching the reputation of this fine soul. There is an incredible story here … but, it’s no scandal. Todrick Hall is an unbelievable talent, but his human spirit is even more astonishing. His original play “OZ, the Musical” is amazing and has provided an opportunity for thousands of kids to perform with young professional talent. These children had the experience of a lifetime appearing on stage with the likes of Aundrea Fimbres, Diana DeGarmo, Orlando Brown, Vonzell Solomon, Nathaniel Flatt, Thayne Jasperson, Mikalah Gordon, Rickey Smith, and Scott Savol to name a few. Todrick’s musical has appeared in countless cities across the U.S., and there are literally thousands of parents and children that appreciate and adore him for providing the opportunity. A combination of several individuals and businesses contributed more than $400k for the 2009 tour of “OZ, the Musical”. Unfortunately, three sponsors cited a floundering economy and did not fulfill their financial pledge during the midst of the summer tour. As a result, the musical was cancelled before reaching several cities. It was a financial disaster for everyone involved … cast, crew, children, parents and producers. But, it was no fault of Todrick Hall. While it was hoped the show would break even, it was never intended to be a “for profit” operation. It was first and foremost an outreach to expose young children to the performing arts. Todrick was devastated to discover there were parents who paid costume fees to appear in shows that were cancelled. But, he did not steal nor mismanage their money. Todrick was never involved in the business end of the production, and he never touched anyone’s money. He just worked his tail off for 8 months trying to make the tour a success. It should also be noted that he did it all for no pay. The only money he ever received during the entire ordeal was to pay for his meals and lodging on the road. When the tour was cancelled, Todrick immediately went to work around the clock to find another way to make sure the kids were given the performance opportunity they were promised. He has already been successful in putting on about one dozen replacement shows, and plans are still in the works for putting on more. He has made it his personal mission to make sure that everyone is eventually satisfied. Did some parents pay a costume fee for their child to appear in a show that was ultimately cancelled? Yes. But, it was no scam. It was a not-for-profit tour of a Broadway style musical that simply ran out of money when its major sponsors were lost. So, before Todrick Hall gets crucified for stealing some kid’s piggy bank, please seek the truth. This guy is one remarkable human being, and his is one incredible story.

OTM Producer? Is this Mr. Money?

@OTM Producer

"Someone please seek the truth before besmirching the reputation of this fine soul."

Umm.. Isn't seeking the truth exactly what this topic is asking? For people to come forward with facts to get at the true story. Perhaps you should be writing a private message to VFTW with more verifiable details that help clear up any confusion.

"There is an incredible story here"

I don't find anything about your version of the story to be incredible. Sad if Todrick was innocently scammed by a producer. But not incredible. If he scammed money from innocent children, that is an incredible story.

Background: I am a parent of two kids who were involved in one of Todrick's shows in the Dallas area. They've also been involved in a local non-profit theatre for several years now, and through that experience I have learned much about the challenges of putting on a production and keeping a production company afloat financially.

As a parent, I sympathize with those who have had hopes of being involved in a show that is ultimately cancelled. As a business person, I have seen lots of sad cases over the past few years... A convenience store chain boarded up their stores overnight, and workers showed up to jobs that no longer existed... Companies bankrupted, and jobs and businesses lost are no secret in this economy. I believe that Todrick's plight is not much different.

I am not a close friend of Todrick Hall, but my observations of him during the production of his show in Dallas were that he truly has a heart for working with kids, and giving them a chance to experience being part of a quality theatrical production. I went to two different performances of Oz the Musical, and was highly impressed with the quality of the show, the originality of the music, and the obvious excitement of the kids involved. I know several of the parents of kids who were in one or both of these productions, and all of them were strongly positive about their kids' experience in the shows.

I was surprised at the "Broadway Level" props, and scenery in this show, and yes - I have seen several shows on Broadway. I am confident that putting on the level of performance I saw was not inexpensive, and must have taken considerable financing to make them possible. A $75 fee for involvement in a much lower-level show is significantly lower than what I'd expect after years of paying much more for our kids to be involved in local productions. Some of the shows we have been involved in have also been cancelled, but I count the time spent preparing for the show as being a valuable experience for my kids.

As for Todrick Hall's work as a director, I saw the amount of enjoyment all the kids and older cast members gained by working with Todrick. He was patient, encouraging, enthusiastic and professional in handling the rehearsals and performances. I think everyone in the show gained from the experience of working with him.

Reading through the message board, I questioned whether many of the authors know Todrick personally, or have worked with him. It's easy to criticize, but until you put on a show yourself, and yes - I've done that too - please don't speculate on the challenges, or lack thereof.

My kids, and their friends who have worked with Todrick and been involved in his shows are excited for him. I believe he has the talent to go far in the Idol competition, and I think he is basically a good person.

In case you are wondering, I am not a professional singer, actor, dancer, or performer of any kind. I am a salesman with kids who love to perform, and trying to provide them the opportunity to work with people like Todrick Hall, who are positive role models, encouraging, and providing a real-life example of someone who is following his dreams.

Todrick may or may not be our next American Idol. Whether or not he is the most talented contestant is a matter for the judges to decide until it goes to popular vote. From my experience, he's a nice guy and I wish him well.

If you read to the last line, thanks for considering my opinion.

^ As a parent experienced with legitimate professional productions, how can you call him a "good person" in the face of all the information coming out about unprofessional behavior (pay-to-play, venues he claimed booked but never heard of him, etc.)?

Do you see him as a "good person" because it wasn't YOUR kids? How would you feel if it had been your kids?