Royal City Musical Theatre is sitting on an opportunity that could make its future as bright as the lights of Broadway.

The theatre company was recently contacted by a local lover of musical theatre, offering to match, dollar for dollar, all donations it receives this season up to $25,000.

"It's an absolutely amazing opportunity for Royal City Musical Theatre. What it will help us do is restore this theatre company back into the community," said company president Patti Volk.

Volk said the company has a proud history of "extraordinary musical theatre at very affordable prices," but increased competition from other theatre groups and the Vancouver Canucks has resulted in fewer people coming to see shows in recent years.

Volk said any donations they receive will go directly into the quality of future productions by the company, which should help lure audiences back.

"Every little bit will work towards making shows even bigger and even better. We'll be able to have bigger shows with more costumes, more lighting, more scenery, more sets, bigger casts, more professional players," she said. "It will be bigger productions while keeping ticket prices at a nice affordable rate."

The donor, a Vancouver dentist named Dr. Arnold Virtue, declined to be interviewed, but he prepared a letter to be sent to all current theatre members. In the letter he shares his love of the theatre and implores members to donate, knowing he will match their contributions.

"I have been a great fan of RCMT's productions for over 20 years. I am impressed by its high quality and many accomplishments, winning numerous B.C. Ovation Awards over the years. I believe this company is an important part of the cultural fabric of our community, and I want to help it continue," he wrote in the letter. "Let's show this company how much we value it and want to see it thrive for today's - and the future - generations to enjoy. There's nothing quite like escaping into a piece of great musical theatre and have it take you away."

Virtue's offer stands for the whole theatre season, Volk said, and through a donation drive and annual gala fundraiser, the company is well on its way to its $25,000 goal.

"We're at about $10,000 now. Another $15,000 to go to match Dr. Virtue's donation. That would be awesome," she said. "Dr. Virtue will match anything from a penny on upwards."

Volk said New Westminster residents can contribute by becoming members for the 2012 season, purchasing tickets to this year's production of Hello, Dolly!, or by making tax-deductible donation to the company.

Rehearsals for the show begin this month, and set and costume design has already begun. The show runs at the Massey Theatre from April 12 to 28.

For information about membership, tickets or donations, contact 604-521-5050.

brichter@royalcityrecord.com