Workshops of "Superbia," the futuristic rock musical he had spent five years writing, had recently failed to attract backers for a full production.

Work was abandoned after AASI failed to attract financial backers for the project in 1995.

It was a local operation with limited objectives and attracted financial backers and political support almost exclusively from within Upper Canada.

But Mr. Wheeldon's stature and substantial body of work, especially at his tender age of 33, appear to be enough to attract backers.

And with advertising possibilities slim on public television, attracting backers can be difficult.

In consequence of her prudent management, Hill was able to attract new backers, and by 1874 she had 15 housing schemes with around 3,000 tenants.

Mr. Singer said that in addition to giving him creative satisfaction, the production helped attract backers for "The Usual Suspects."

Some ideas foundered: a sleeping bag made from recycled materials was aimed at disaster relief agencies and worked well in field tests but it failed to attract backers.

This might sound like a toxic proposition, but Mr. Wildhorn seems to have no trouble attracting high-profile backers.

Though open to the public, the showcase was intended to attract backers for the revival of the full musical.