Springer Opera House, Hodgetwins at odds over canceled comedy show

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The cancellation of a comedy show is sparking outrage in the Columbus community.

Kevin and Keith Hodge, professionally known as The Hodgetwins, were set to perform Saturday night at The Springer Opera House as part of their nationwide tour.

In a removed-and-restored post to social media, The Springer House said they decided not to host the event because Mad Hatter Shows, who represent the self-proclaimed conservative comedy duo, “have not fulfilled its responsibilities under the rental contract.”

“Mad Hatter Shows never paid the required deposit to secure the date nor did they pay the full balance two weeks in advance of the event as stipulated in the contract. In addition, Mad Hatter’s technical representatives did not respond to the Springer’s repeated requests for information on the technical requirements for the show, making it impossible to hire a support crew.”
The Springer Opera House

The Springer added that while the Hodgetwins’ “frequent targeting of LGBTQ persons in their comedy routines” does not reflect its values and mission, the duo’s position on public policy were not a factor in the decision to cancel the event.

A few hours later, Mad Hatter Shows revealed an email allegedly from The Springer House. It reads in part, “Because of the content of the show, we need to cancel the appearance tomorrow at the Springer.”

The Springer’s Facebook post garnered more than 800 comments as several would-be attendees voiced their frustration and many others supported the cancellation. Their Facebook page was removed altogether and later restored.

Mad Hatter Shows is working to reschedule the event elsewhere, according to an email obtained by News Leader 9 that was sent to those who purchased tickets.

Read full statements from both sides below:

“The Springer Opera House has made the difficult decision not to host the Hodgetwins comedy show scheduled for Saturday, July 9.
Unfortunately, the comedy duo’s official representation, Mad Hatter Shows, have not fulfilled its responsibilities under the rental contract. Mad Hatter Shows never paid the required deposit to secure the date nor did they pay the full balance two weeks in advance of the event as stipulated in the con-tract. In addition, Mad Hatter’s technical representatives did not respond to the Springer’s repeated requests for information on the technical requirements for the show, making it impossible to hire a support crew.
It is true that the Hodgetwins’ frequent targeting of LGBTQ persons in their comedy routines does not reflect the values and mission of the Springer Opera House. Springer audiences, volunteers, staff members and board members have expressed their dismay at the scheduling of the show at the Springer.
The duo’s positions on public policy, however, were not a factor in this decision. The Springer is proud to have been a forum for a broad range of speech, ideas and community dialogue for over 150 years and we continue to welcome candidates, debates, meetings and other gatherings by policy-makers from across the political and social spectrum.
This was a rental event and not a Springer production. In addition, the Springer is not the ticket agent on the event so ticket-buyers are encouraged to contact Mad Hatter Shows regarding any rescheduling or refund policies.
We regret the inconvenience to citizens who had purchased tickets to the show.”
The Springer Opera House

“The venue states in their post that the show was cancelled due to fees not paid and not responding to technical requirement questions. A deposit check of $250 was mailed months ago to the venue. They are accurate in their statement that the rental balance was not paid. As we were told in a phone conversation to pay it the night of the evet (Which is the norm for most rentals we have ever dealt with). If they had stated the show could continue with payment, we would have paid it immediately as funds are no issue.
Rather we received an email and text message less than 24 hours before the event that states the show was being cancelled due to LGBT content as you may have seen a screenshot of the email online. Immediately following that email we spoke with the event coordinator over the phone to discuss it. We asked if that content was removed from the show could it continue. She called shortly afterwards after stating she checked with trustees and director and stated the show could still not take place.
At that time we discussed the situation with the Hodgetwins. We sent a follow up email to the venue pleading again to allow the show to continue if we possibly adjusted content. The venue never responded.
The morning of the show we text the event coordinator to follow up and sent a copy of our pleading email. The text reply we received stated the show would not be allowed. 30 minutes later we received a follow up email stating they had a right to void the contract due to non payment.
In addition. We responded to the technical needs in an email. We were told the tech person would contact us via phone this week and it never happened.
We were in contact with the event coordinator several times this week and the money or tech needs was never expressed as a concern.
To be clear. It is our view that the show was cancelled solely for content reasons and unjustified. We have done several hundreds of shows throughout the United States along with working with other national acts equal to the Hodgetwins. We have not had such neglect before from a venue and to happen less than 24 hours prior.
While these emails were taking place on Friday night, we were holding another event in Mobile, Alabama with the Hodgetwins and over 600 happy comedy listeners. The event took place with satisfied customers and nearly 100 met them following the show. The venue had no issues or problems and while being professional and courteous to the performers, patrons and us as promoters. And FYI their deposit of $3000 was paid months in advance and we appreciate that venue and will return for other events.”
Mad Hatter Shows