WHO WILL SAVE OUR SOUL?

I’m almost afraid to make any jokes this week given the Will Smith/Chris Rock furor. What’s the hinged/unhinged ratio these days? Should I be concerned about the feng shui of my office, seeing as the computer faces the wall and the door’s at my back? 

Which is sad, because a few doses of levity and reflection and self-deprecation would do everyone some good. 

I attended all four performances of “The Women” last weekend – largely because my spitfire of a daughter is in it, but also because … it elicited all those thoughts and emotions alluded to above. 

What’s more … as much as we’ve succeeded around here in championing the dollar over community, local theater, despite the inherent obstacles, remains a beacon. It’s one of the few remaining things we have in Mammoth that makes me feel “local.” That brings out locals. That makes every intermission feel like a reunion as you greet old friend.

I do wonder why there’s so little appreciation for a person of Shira Dubrovner’s talents. Of Juliana Olinka-Jones’s talents. Of Allison Page’s talents. 

I reference these three mainstays of the local stage almost because … in this production, they are not the stars. All play multiple supporting roles. But it’s in how they dive into each of these small roles and end up stealing scenes – I’m so impressed with their commitment to their roles and the various small details – it elevates each in my eyes.

And damn, Shira’s a great director. And some of the casting … of Rhonda Duggan, Karen Keehn, Pricilla Toledo, Michelle Raust. How do I leave anyone out? The show is great. Every cast member has a moment. 

The country singer Eric Church may have canceled a concert to watch Duke-UNC on Saturday night but I couldn’t care less. I’m seeing this play. Again. 

When you look at the leadership structure of this town, when you go through the Council, the Planning Commission, MLT … what I realize is we have a preponderance of bean counters and a distinct lack of soul, which kind of mirrors who we are and where we’re going. Just as it’s difficult to trust someone who lives here and doesn’t ski, for me, it’s just as hard to trust someone who has no love of the arts and no interest in civic engagement outside of a cocktail party. 

A town that does not embrace the arts will never be great. 

The Grinch famously managed to figure it out just in time. Will we?