On Sat, 20 Nov 2004, Gregory Luce wrote:
Chalk this one up again to a nose-down failure to think more regionally for the benefit of us all. CM Schiff's comment that it would be a
A travesty is how this decision misses a massive opportunity to regionalize our theater approach and to involve these historic theaters
I see no value in establishing a Broadway-theater monopoly with the Ordway just so that we can have a regional approach, especially in light of Ordway Boardmember David Lilly's disparaging comments regarding the positive effects of competition, namely, increased choice, between the Hennepin Avenue theators and the Ordway theater.
Any coordination between the Ordway and the Hennepin Ave theaters would likely result in less shows, not more. I do not see how this is any better than the reduction in choice that might result if Clear Channel were to gain sufficient leverage over the Hennepin Ave theaters.
If the concern is that the Ordway have better community outreach programs than do the Hennepin Ave theaters, then maybe those who are most concerned about that could approach the Hennepin Ave theaters with proposals for community outreach programs. If the Hennepin Ave theaters refuse, then take your business elsewhere.
Another list member has already indicated that he will be voting with his pocketbook by shunning the Hennepin Ave theaters because of their connection to Clear Channel. If enough people act similarly, either because of the Clear Channel connection or the community outreach issue, then the Hennepin Ave theaters will have to respond.
Now, if a regional monopoly on Broadway shows was established between the Ordway and the Hennepin Ave theaters, where would a theater patron go if they were dissatisfied by the local monopoly?
On a related note, can the Hennepin Ave theaters be divided up so that they also compete with each other?
Scott McGerik South St Paul (formerly Hawthorne) http://scott.mcgerik.com/
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