CoMMA offers good deals, escape from hard times

By: Bill Wilson | Morganton News Herald
Published: February 04, 2009

There's been a lot of comedy on the CoMMA stage; however, today's economy is no laughing matter. With jobs being lost by the score and what we thought to be rock-solid businesses and industries struggling and ultimately failing, it's difficult, if not impossible, for many to ascribe to Little Orphan Annie's optimistic motto, "The sun's gonna come out tomorrow!"
There have been warning signs and indicators of the times we now experience, and it's not only the inflated fuel costs during the latter part of 2008. Just this past weekend, scalpers of Super Bowl LXIII were selling game tickets at below the face value. This is totally unheard of and certainly this might be the only Super Bowl that was not completely sold out.
As CoMMA looks ahead toward Season XXIII, we have many critical decisions to make. Business is not as usual for presenters, artist managements or the artists themselves. Our patrons and guests are necessarily taking a serious look at how they might or might not be able to spend any leisure activity money, should any be available at all in the foreseeable future.
Since early spring of last year, audiences in Morganton were on the rise — at least until the first of this new year. We were all staying closer to home for our entertainment and even the traditional weeklong vacation was being abbreviated by many. Certainly gasoline prices were a huge factor, but more importantly, a wake-call had been blatantly issued with only a few turning a deaf ear to the news.
Historically the City of Morganton has frugally and creatively managed its money and resources in order that when times are hard the doors might remain open not only at CoMMA but also at the other fine city facilities and programs offered therein. As residents we also must adapt and adjust in regard to our expectations and demands — for it is only fair to do so until conditions improve — which they will.
In speaking with many of the artists and touring events' representatives a few weeks ago, I believe that they, too, are getting the message that we are all in this together, and that in order to get through it and come out winners, it's going to take a lot of cooperation and teamwork. Certainly there is no room for greed on any level or on any front.
Even today, I am receiving telephone calls and e-mails offering CoMMA rockbottom deals on tour events that for one reason or another have fallen through or been cancelled by venues in the Southeast. With the low risk, it behooves us to take a close look at what we can then pass along substantial savings to our ticket buyers.
So there is some light at the end of this long dark tunnel, and we know from experience if there were ever a time that communities need a 'break' from the stress and anxiety of the times, this is it. And for most, it is not too difficult to make some adjustments and cutbacks, allowing for some relief possibly by attending a CoMMA concert or show.
Not too many tickets have ever been 'scalped' for CoMMA events. Frankly, it might be a good problem to have. We will do our best to stay the course and hope that you'll support these efforts when and as you can.
Friday night is a great opportunity as MainStage Morganton celebrates and honors Black History Month with the national touring presentation of "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God." Both the story and the music are uplifting and spirited, probably what we all need just about now. Curtain is 7:30 p.m.
The national tour of "Oliver!" also hits the CoMMA boards Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. A call to 433-SHOW will put you in the best seat.