The Smithtown Theatre, which stages old plays, has announced an expansion that will double its capacity along with its operating costs. The theatre is only slightly profitable at present. In addition, all of the current customers live in Smithtown, and the population of the town is not expected to increase in the next several years. Thus, the expansion of the Smithtown Theatre will prove unprofitable.

Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken the argument?


(A) A large movie chain plans to open a new multiplex location in Smithtown later this year.

(B) Concession sales in the Smithtown Theatre comprise a substantial proportion of the theatre's revenues.

(C) Many recent arrivals to Smithtown are students that are less likely to attend the Smithtown Theatre than are older residents.

(D) The expansion would allow the Smithtown Theatre to stage larger, more popular shows that will attract customers from neighboring towns.

(E) The Board of the Smithtown Theatre often solicits input from residents of the town when choosing which shows to stage.
