THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 24, 1995 TAG: 9509210194
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: John Harper
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines
HERE IS today's pop quiz:
What is the Outer Banks Forum?
A. A debate group.
B. A place to hear guest lecturers.
C. A branch of the government.
D. None of the above.
If you answered ``D,'' you are correct.
The Outer Banks Forum is a 500-member organization, led by a 13-member board, that brings quality entertainment to the Outer Banks. Since its formation in 1983, the Forum has presented more than 80 performances, ranging from solo guitarists to 75-piece symphonies.
In the early days, the group used mostly local performers. But in recent years, much of the talent has been from Hampton Roads.
This season, the Forum presents an eclectic program of performers ranging from the Virginia Beach Symphony to comedian/political satirist Jim Teter.
Funding for the programs comes from corporate sponsors, season ticket holders and admission fees from individual ticket buyers.
Joan Freemantle of Southern Shores is in her third term as president of the Forum. I recently talked with Freemantle about the organization's past, present and future.
I've outlined a little bit about the Forum, but do you have a general philosophy?
Our goal has always been to bring high-class entertainment to the Outer Banks.
Looking at your forthcoming season, not only is the entertainment high quality, but there's a wide range.
Yes, it's a real mix. On the Outer Banks there are a lot of people from other places. We're not highbrow; we're not lowbrow. This is down-to-earth entertainment.
I know hundreds of people have helped over the years, but does any one person come to mind?
Ruth Ambrosius comes to mind. She really put us on the map. It was because of her that we got the Virginia Beach Symphony. She increased our membership. Ruth really enlarged our program and improved our image.
Tell me about the early days of the Forum.
A man by the name of Charles Herman was really the catalyst for the group. In the early days, the entertainment was presented in the Kitty Hawk Elementary School cafeteria. There were a number of local singers, dancers and lecturers. We've always really tried to serve the local residents.
I'm going to run down the list of performers for the 1995-1996 Forum season. Give me a capsule description of each.
Virginia Beach Symphony.
A 75-member group of professionals and amateurs. This year they'll do three classical pieces. There will also be a soprano soloist.
The Dutton Family.
This is a group from Utah. It's high-energy Christmas and country music sung by a family. They also dance.
The Actors' Theatre of Virginia Beach.
We're not sure what they're doing. But last year they did ``Tomfoolery,'' and it was wonderful. This is a dinner theater. Kelly's caters the event.
Jim Teter.
He's a standup comedian who does impressions. He also is a ventriloquist who uses dummies with the faces of recent U.S. presidents.
National Opera Company.
They're doing ``The Secret Marriage'' by Cimarosa, who was a contemporary of Mozart. It's a comic opera, sung in English.
Botetourt Chamber Singers.
A group of 12 performers from the College of William and Mary. They'll do madrigals, modern music and some novelty tunes.
What else would the Outer Banks Forum like to accomplish?
The Outer Banks needs a performing arts center. We would be willing to help in any way.
How important are the arts?
Well, civilization is measured by the culture it produces. The arts are a big part of that. The Outer Banks Forum would like to leave a legacy for our children. MEMO: ABOUT THE FORUM
Scheduled events:
Virginia Beach Symphony, Oct. 21
The Dutton Family, Dec. 9
Jim Teter, Jan. 20
National Opera Company, Feb. 24
Botetourt Chamber Singers, March 30
Dinner Theatre, April 27
All performances at Kitty Hawk School at 7:30 p.m.
Season subsciption: $30.
Tickets: $10 at the door.
For more information: 255-0133 or 261-1998. by CNB