Enjoy this play, or your money back

El Grito Del Bronx, a long in-development new play by Migdalia Cruz (Another Part of the House), is getting a world premiere co-production by Collaboraction and Teatro Vista this summer. The risk to the companies is debatable, but the risk to audience members is nil: Bronx is being offered with a Money Back Guarantee.

Bronx is the first play to be chosen for the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s Money Back Guarantee program, designed to persuade audiences to take chances on the unknown. The Driehaus Foundation has allotted $10,000 for ticket refunds; a representative will be present in the lobby after each performance, offering cash refunds to unsatisfied attendees (who must provide their name and email address and detail the reasons for their dissatisfaction). “We think this is something that’s really going to make a difference, [though] we hope not many people use it,” says Driehaus program officer Richard Cahan. “The idea is that it would be more valuable to [the companies] than if we gave them a $10,000 grant.” If this pilot run proves successful, the program will expand, though Cahan says participants will be hand-chosen and there will be no quotas. “We’re more connecting with organizations we believe in rather than projects,” he says. “Hopefully, if this works, other organizations will see it and come to us.” Bronx runs July 14–Aug 2 in the Goodman's Owen theater; satisfaction-guaranteed tickets go on sale today.