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Folks stay closer to home, can find good entertainment

By Bill Wilson | The News Herald

Published: October 16, 2008

It's unusual, but not unheard of, that MainStage Morganton would present three major touring events within the same month. October bends the rules again as Festival of Four takes stage tonight at 7:30. That will be followed on Saturday with the cabaret musical comedy "Church Basement Ladies" — same time, same station. Good seating is available for both events.
This phenomenon of sorts occurs not because of the full moon but more so in light of the routing of tours themselves. Discounted or reduced contract fees play well into our hands with CoMMA being so conveniently located halfway between New York City and Miami. When we can take advantage of these conditions, giving the artists another performance and saving dollars for our audiences at the box office, it's the thing to do.
Festival of Four should be well received in the shining pleasant surprise performance of Erin Hill (of Four Celtic Women two weeks ago) when she ignited CoMMA's patrons with an aria from a Puccini opera. Far from Irish or Celtic, it was Beverly Sills reincarnated for those three minutes that absolutely astounded and pleased everyone. After the final note and a collective gasp from front row to the balcony, the theater erupted with nonstop applause that would rival any multi-bravo ovation at the Met. It proves our audiences are hungry for the best of the best, and we feel that FO4 will follow in that tradition.
"The Legend of Frankie Silver" has just completed its second run this past weekend at CoMMA. Nearly 1,200 witnessed the murder, trial and execution depicted in the play written by Howard Williams.
Local actors portrayed mountain characters from the 1830s, and although there was no surprise to the ending, "The Legend of Frankie Silver" keeps the lore and legend alive via this dramatic retelling. Our thanks and congratulations are extended to all those involved in this community theatre endeavor by allowing CoMMA to be the site of such history on stage.
For those who don't want to miss out on the national tour of "Annie," the Bee Gees Tribute, "The Spirit of Christmas," or Pleasant Hill Baptist Church's presentation of "Smoky Mountain Christmas," know that tickets to all of these are selling steadily. With seats being reserved, the sooner one purchases allows for more selection.
The CoMMA Box Office is noticing that many of the holiday stage offerings are being purchased as gifts for Christmas, anniversaries, birthdays and other celebrations. Even "Church Basement Ladies" has seen significant group sales within the Burke spiritual community.
Again, we believe the current fuel shortages and costs along with the economic climate are keeping folks closer to home for their entertainment. That's a bit of good news along with the bad, but at least some of it is good.
It will be sad to see all the quilts leave the CoMMA Gallery in the next week. If you have not made a trip to 401 S. College St. to view these creative hangings —time's a'wastin'. The Burke Quilters Guild always presents a colorful and artistic display, but they have truly outdone themselves this fall.
Finally, as the '08 presidential election day nears, know that my announcement for the highest office in the land still stands. Although the bumper stickers are on backorder until March and the campaign's Chevy van is up on blocks, we are full-steam ahead. You'll be glad to hear that the Wilson for President campaign has lost no ground — nor have we gained a lot either. I still haven't heard back on why I was not invited to the debates, but we've put our best man on it. Oh well, we can all use a new red tie — for something — every now and then.