McDonald noted that while corporate leadership prefers early finalization, the artistic adjustments required for the curatorial vision can alter planned schedules late in the production cycle.
"We continue to try our best to get all that done much earlier. The creative process, I've been reminded, can't be rushed.
But as a CEO, I'd much rather it all be done back in February," said McDonald.
Regarding the concert runtimes and the decision to limit nightly Superdome performances to five acts instead of the eight scheduled during the previous year, McDonald emphasized an ongoing adaptation process.
"We're learning," said McDonald.
The CEO expressed that the organization believes reducing the number of performers will help streamline the evening events while maintaining high value for the audience.
"We're heading in the right direction. The question is, should it be four?
We still believe that we want to over-deliver," said McDonald.
Regarding the abrupt rescheduling of veteran performers Patti LaBelle and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds from Sunday to Saturday, McDonald revealed that the decision stemmed from creative input by guest curator Teyana Taylor.
"In an effort to make the show better, this felt like the right thing to do, to make that change," said McDonald.
McDonald explained that the change aimed to create a specific narrative progression for each night of the concert series rather than relying on traditional nostalgia formats.
"We had one idea, agreed-on nights, then Teyana came in and asked some questions.
You think back to the Frankie Beverly (Sunday night) endings we used to do, that nostalgia, families dancing together.
