THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 24, 1994 TAG: 9407220224
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Ida Kay Jordan
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
Although we haven't even made it to the Dog Days, it's not too soon to be thinking about fall and the 1994-95 entertainment season.
Two months of hot weather seems like a long time. Two months is nothing when it comes to booking events for Willett Hall.
The city has been skittish about booking anything for fear of losing money. But if we don't have events attractive to the general public, we never will make Willett Hall the vibrant center of activity Portsmouth people expected when the city spent millions to remodel the auditorium.
Until we build a market that knows Willett Hall, promoters are going to be dubious about using it. As all regular patrons know, it is a wonderful place that bears no resemblance to the school auditorium so many expect. As with everything else here, the image needs to be changed.
Citizens need to do something about that.
Why not become ``Friends of Willett Hall?''
Of course, this group is but a figment of imagination at this time, but it may be worth a try.
If people of all ages who have enjoyed events at Willett come together, they could be quite a formidable group.
``Friends'' could let the managers know what kind of entertainment they would enjoy and would encourage their friends, neighbors and co-workers to support it.
``Friends'' also could entertain in the Green Room for special events or special guests - or just enjoy visiting with each other.
Seldom has any entertainment project succeeded without ``Friends'' and a little socializing. They become the backbone of cultural organizations.
Although Willett is different from groups such as the symphony or the opera, the principle is the same. Why not give it a whirl at Willett?
``Friends'' should include people of all ages and all tastes in entertainment.
The music-lovers - known loosely as ``Anne Carr's Group'' - who fill the mezzanine for big band programs, already should have sent a message to Willett managers; however, the 1993-94 season did not include a single big band program. A more formal organization would have made the message very clear.
The same goes for those who enjoyed super soprano June Anderson and or would like to hear a big star of country music at Willett. Another group might prefer Golden Oldies and another a folk singer, a renowned jazz group, even a comedian. Certainly there would be a group that wants Broadway shows.
If ``Friends'' felt they had some input, perhaps they also would feel a responsibility to rally support for their kinds of shows. Generally, a reminder from a friend will be all the prodding I need to buy a ticket.
An organization of ``Friends'' would let the management know what they think would bring out the most people and that's what would make Willett Hall the thriving center it should be.
But simply indicating preferences in entertainment is not enough. The management can do that with a written survey. To make Willett really work everyone would have to be not only an outspoken advocate.
``Friends'' also would have to be idea people, suggesting ways to entice to the hall people who have never discovered its virtues - easy parking, comfortable seats, good sound, etc.
Willett Hall always has been comfortable, never meant to be just a school auditorium. Former City Manager George Hanbury, who pushed the remodeling that enlarged the lobby, saw it as an asset to attract people to the city.
In recent years, it has not been viewed as that and momentum gained a few years ago now may be lost.
Still it is one of the best concert halls in Hampton Roads and we must get that word out to all of our neighbors. Since the city has little money to spend on promotion, it will be up to friends of Willett Hall to make it happen.
KEYWORDS: WILLETT HALL
by CNB