This is from the Producer of the Musical. Everyone needs to know that Todrick had nothing to do with any of this mess!

OTM Producer

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 incredible 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 do 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

Yay! The apologists and excuse makers have arrived.

Ok, I'll bite. If poor widdle Todrick was screwed over by a shady producer with Oz, explain CinderellaRock ending the same way.

Explain why both the February/March 2009 Oz tour AND the summer tour were riddled with the same exact problems of cancelled shows, disorganization, and disgruntled performers.

If the fall tour was so successful, let's have towns, dates and venues so that can be verified.

Explain parents in Texas saying TODRICK, not some mystery man, promised scholarships to a performing school and never followed through.

Explain why a reputable person would ask parents to make checks out to "Mr Money."

Who is "Mr Money." There are some parents who would like to speak with him.

Why was Diana DeGarmo left on the Oz website after her stay in the tour ended, long afterwards, leading parents to believe their kids would be performing with her. In fact, if there was a real tour planned at that time why was she the ONLY person listed on the website? I'm sure she was THRILLED when the Nashville story broke and her name was dragged into something she had the common sense to extricate herself from MONTHS earlier.

Why did the tours depend solely on money from the kids? There's a contradiction going on here. On one hand TODRICK has said the tour couldn't continue because he "only" got fees from 3000 kids. On the other hand people are saying he didn't want to take $ from kids. And now the story is he didn't know it was happening? I call bullshit.

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<em>This guy is one remarkable human being, and his is one incredible story</em>

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Amazing how much bad luck he has. Over and over, the common denominator in all the troubles is Todrick. Why is that?

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And just who is the producer? What's his name? 

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Who is the money man who took the funds and what is his connection with Todrick?

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So many unanswered questions. It's extraordinary how many people praise Todrick but can't actually answer some basic questions about what really happened.

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Mr Money's real name is Greg Money.

That is his real name. I have personally met him and he does exist.

His kid was in one of Todrick's plays in Lubbock and offered to finance the future plays.

Todrick did not deal with money, when we asked how much it would cost to put my kid in his show, he honestly had no idea how much it cost.

The play is not plagiarized and I would be more than happy to prove it to anyone that thinks it is.

After Todrick was informed the investors were backing out, he stayed up around the clock trying to find a way to get everyone their money back or make a new perfomance for them which was why he attempted CinderellaROCK and there were a couple of performances with that.

He recently had a December tour of Oz The Musical and it was a big success from what I heard.

Many of the people that previously paid for Oz had the chance to perform for free at this tour.

You people have asked the question yourself, why do so many people like a person like him? because HE is not the person stated in this article.

How could so many people like him if he was really the person you are saying he is? I know 100% I would never EVER talk to anyone that would do that to kids.

Study your facts better next time.

Maybe it wasn't so bad that he stole the money from those kids. I mean, if the alternative was having them perform with Scott Savol.....

I have a feeling that ol Todrick ain't seen the last of the besmirchin comin his way.

viper88c -

Dave provided lots of links to sources where he got his information, yet you have provided no evidence of your claims. If you want to persuade people that your opinion is based on facts, you need evidence.

Here are some places where your comments need backing up:

> "Mr Money's real name is Greg Money. That is his real name."

> "I have personally met him and he does exist."

> "Todrick did not deal with money..."

> "The play is not plagiarized and I would be more than happy to prove it to anyone that thinks it is."

> "After Todrick was informed the investors were backing out, he stayed up around the clock trying to find a way to get everyone their money back..."

> "He recently had a December tour of Oz The Musical and it was a big success from what I heard." (Note: Saying "from what I heard" is hardly persuasive.)

Gosh, it appears basically your entire argument lacks any concrete support. Most people at VFTW are open to hearing the other side of every story, but until you provide some actual details (news articles, photos, independent reviews of productions, financial documents, etc.) no one will believe what you say in the face of a pile of evidence that is already stacked against Todrick.

Well that was just a funny picture, haven't you heard "you can't judge a book by it cover"? Todrick is the most generous person I know, if there is anything he can do to help anyone he would. I have personally known this gentleman for many years, yes even when he was in High School. It was unfortunate that the play ran out of money, my child had a great time with Oz the Musical, thousands of kids had a wonderful experience and if he is able to continue many more will. People are quick to call names when they really should look at themselves. I'll bet there are many pictures of you that make you look like a loser. Does that make you a loser? Probably not, but your words speak loudly of your character.

Well pieces of trash, I'm pretty sure he wasn't wearing $300 jeans, it was just part of his cute song. I know he is wonderful person with wonderful talent, I see him going far in life. I'll bet you don't have a tenth of the talent he does.

I was amused by Mr. Money's name too but he does exist, he was the investor the the play. How many people who write and direct plays without investors do you know? I'm sure 0.

American Idol is something that he should have audition for many years ago as far as I'm concerned, I'm extremely happy he finally did it and I hope to see him win.

I am sure they did know. they want a girl to win. This kid is obviously going to make the top 12 and then the story would have "leaked" and there goes a boy right out of the competition.

'Greg Money' doesn't appear to exist, according to online telephone directories. Care to try again?