Last May, I wrote about two Carmel community theaters and the preference Mayor Jim Brainard was showing for one over the other. For a refresher, click here.
Now, it seems that even after presenting a season of Pulitzer-Prize-winning plays, relocating to Clay Terrace (where its patrons can spend ancillary bucks before or after the shows), and bringing in Broadway star Ben Vereen for a benefit, Carmel Community Players finds itself without city funding.
In contrast, the Carmel Repertory Theater, in the midst of its first season, scored $75,000 -- more than was granted to Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre, the professional Actors Theatre of Indiana, and Carmel Fountain Square combined
According to a press release from CCP, marketing director Brian Koning was told by the mayor that he didn't submit the request or share it with council members because he didn't feel they would support it.
Since the last post on the subject, I still haven't seen the work of either company (although, for the record, I did attend a production by Actors Theatre of Indiana in the CCP building and participated in a Stephen Sondheim birthday celebration there), so I can't speak to the quality offered by either company.
But it seems that some sort of middle ground could have been found to assist both the established company and the newcomer. Or is there a good reason for the snub?
Did you catch Carmel Repertory Theatre run of the Elvis musical "All Shook Up" or do you intend on seeing Carmel Community Players production of Beth Henley's "Crimes of the Heart" (which opens tonight)?
Your thoughts?
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Dear Mayor Brainard:
I am writing to express my unhappiness that you refused to recommend any funding for the Carmel Community Players (CCP). I understand you blame this on the Council because you felt the Council would not support the request. Perhaps so, I guess we will never know, and that's the point. Had you included it in your recommendation and the Council rejected it, the blame would have fallen squarely on the Council. Now it falls on you for not even trying. You could have at least tried and there is no excuse for your not doing so.
I do not live or vote in Carmel. I'm one of those who supports CCP and Carmel by coming from elsewhere to see CCP's excellent shows. Accordingly, I am contacting the restaurants, shops and other businesses in the Clay Terrace area that I frequent when making the trip to Carmel for a CCP production and advising them how your actions have been against their interests. I can at least try that.
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I have since emailed Kona and Kinkaid's restaurants and the Clay Terrace Mall in general.
I don't view this as any sort of contest between CCP and CRT. The shows I have seen at CCP have simply been amazing quality community theater productions. I saw CRT's "All Shook Up" and it was a magnificent blast as well.
This is about Mayor Brainard not even trying to help CCP.
I don't know the details of why CRT was formed, but I know this: Since the people who now run CCP essentially kicked out the people who went off and formed CRT, the quality of CCP's shows has improved DRAMATICALLY. And while I hear that CRT still exists, I know of no one who has seen any of their shows.
So the Carmel City Council last year chose to fund the upstart CRT, over the established CCP, because Council members "thought CRT had a better chance of success" (according to the Indy Star). This is ridiculous, and I have been so enjoying, over the past year, watcing how CCP has flourished while CRT has enjoyed the oblivion it so richly deserves.
On a side note: I wonder if people know that the President of the Carmel City Council is a sometimes (bad) performer who is tight with the CRT folks, has been cast by them often, and that's the reason CRT was funded over CCP. So yes - for that reason, the Mayor was correct to assume that the Council was not likely to fund CCP. I'm sure he knows that Mr. Sharp holds a grudge.
Now it's a year later. CCP has moved into a great new space (that is in a GREAT location) and tackled some wonderful theatre projects and outreach. For this group to once again be dismissed by the City -- without a fair opportunity for discussion -- well, it's bizarre and ridiculous.
So I ask this, one year later: Does anyone in Carmel (or in central Indiana arts circles) still think that CRT has a better chance of success than CCP? The answer is no. And from what I hear, this funding from the city is probably the only thing that's keeping CRT going. So congratulations, taxpayers of Carmel. Your money is going to fund a bad theatre that is likely to go under soon anyway.
Whatever the case, it is APPALLING that CRT received more than TWICE as much money as Actors Theatre of Indiana - an established professional group who has been producing good theatre in central Indiana for several years now.
Your elected government in action.
We do want to set the record straight in that nobody was kicked out of Carmel Community Players. There was simply a parting of the ways and changes to the leadership.
There were a lot of hurt feelings and animosity last year when the City of Carmel denied funding to CCP. Inappropriate things were said at that time by everyone involved, including Carmel residents and members of the theater community who have never even seen shows put on by CCP or The Rep. Yes, there are, after all, two sides (or more) to each story. For its part, CCP accepts responsibility for any role it had in fanning the flames both directly or indirectly. However, we have a strict, no tolerance policy that nobody associated with CCP post any derogatory comments. If we learn that any of the anonymous posts are from CCPâ??s Board or staff members, they will be asked to leave our organization. We would hope that other organizations would adopt that same policy. This does nothing to help the situation.
The folks at Carmel Repertory Theater are not at fault here. And I will point out that while I disagree with the process and how Mayor Brainard handled it, Councilman Rick Sharp was very cordial and gracious in explaining the process to me at last nightâ??s special meeting of the Carmel City Council. It made sense. And had the Mayor follow the process as it was intended, the results may have been different. In addition, some of us from Carmel Community Players have attended recent performances of the Carmel Repertory Theater to show our support and we expressed our desire to Mayor Brainard to work with them. The Mayor expressed his wish for â??harmonyâ?? but, as I told him, he is directly responsible for any current disharmony.
The issue here is with Mayor Brainard and a flawed and biased process with no transparency. We can no longer ignore the fact that we are being intentionally excluded for whatever reasons. The Carmel community needs to be aware so that they can voice their concerns or make their opinions known in future elections.
But, on behalf of Carmel Community Players, we respectfully ask that the personal attacks on Carmel Repertory Theater stop.
We are committed to forging stronger relations with all area arts organizations, especially our friends at Carmel Repertory Theatre.
And to address the comments about our Evening with Ben Vereen event, no we did not lose $10,000. Part of the intent of this event, as we explained in our grant applications, was to give something back to the community, and bringing Ben Vereen to Carmel was that vehicle. The two $5,000 grants (not loans) were awarded to help offset the costs of putting on this particular event with the understanding by both the City of Carmel and the Arts Council of Indianapolis that there were no guarantees. Unfortunately, after all was said and done, the event netted a very small loss (approx $1,000). However, we consider this event successful in every other way.
Respectfully,
Brian Koning
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Carmel Community Players
re-election? How does the Carmel government get away with such politics?
CRT received seven times what CCP received and you aren't calling that "lost." Of course, CRT's money was not "lost" either. CRT made good use of the City's generosity to enrich the Carmel Community with theater arts.
CCP likewise used its, far lesser, City funds to enrich the Carmel and Indianapolis area with theater arts. That enrichment included not only some wonderful shows produced by CCP, but also CCP bringing a national theater legend whose performance raised Carmel's prestige in theater arts and brought business to the city. Carmel and Indianapolis won, even if CCP did not.
I think what people are missing here is that a 17-year-old arts organization requested funding by properly following an undocumented process - at least in theory. The Mayor, however, did not present their request based on an "assumption" that it wouldn't be approved by the City Council. Then, it would have been up to the City Council at that point, thus saving the Mayor some fair and honest public criticism. That was not fair to the organization. I think that's what they are, and rightfully should be, upset about.
A grant is money awarded (not a loan as Mr. Koning pointed out) without any stipulations for repayment. Can you really say that any grant to a NFP is not "lost". It's used to cover the cost of programs and other expenses that aren't covered by fundraising. Grants rarely generate a financial return. What they do, however, is help organizations like these add to the quality of life in their community.
Give both of these organizations a break, people. Aren't there bigger fish to fry in Carmel?
Also, no organization will get to use the RPAC for "free". All will have to pay rental and other associated fees. I confirmed that in a recent meeting with Steven Libman.
The Rep submitted their request for funding, had it fairly considered by Mayor Brainard and approved by the City Council.
The Rep is not at fault here and we cannot begin to mend any fences in the arts community with people pointing fingers at other organizations. The fault lies in the process by which our (CCP's) request was or was not considered.
Brainard should be praised for starting the percent for arts--one of the first communities in Indiana to do so. As a result, however, since Carmel has money for the arts and Indy doesn't several Indy groups have tried to get Carmel to recognize them. Brainard did provide five thousand to CCP for the Ben Vereen performance this year, a fact they conveniently forgot to mention in their votrolic "news release." part of the problem, as I understand it, that C CP poorly marketed that show and has yet to even report the results of how they spent the city's five grand to the city. However, they did find the time to apply for more money. The CCP folks have proved themselves as whiney, unappreciative morons who some feel entitled to Carmel taxpayer money. The mayor said NO; big deal.
So, a community theater group is going to pay rent with money that is given to them by the taxpayers of Carmel. Couldn't that be considered "free rent?"
I'm just not sold on the idea that the government is so powerful when it comes to the funding of the arts. There should be a committee that oversees the grants and makes recommendations to the City Council. The Council writes the checks and then gets out of the way. The way things are now politicians rather than the arts community have too much say in what is presented and what direction all of this is headed. But then again, the greater Indianapolis arts community is yet to embrace all of this, and at this point one would have to believe that they will not.
BTW - So which company is Mr. Sharp _now_ a member of?
Your post was about as inaccurate as it was inarticulate. Characterizing members of Carmel Community Players as "whiney, unappreciative morons" was a libelous attack. But it fits right in with the rest of the ignorance contained in your prose.
To refute your initial point, the schism within CCP happened when the long-time management childishly walked out of a board meeting in a fit of pique simply because the board rightly called for an open vote to determine the next CCP president instead of just automatically re-anointing the original president as it had been done for years. In spite of repeated conciliatory overtures, the ex-CCP management refused to return to the fold unless they were restored to their prior positions. Once it was clear that was not going to happen, they then started CRP. The only party whose behavior could possibly be characterized as 'whiney and moronic' in this whole melodrama is the former CCP/current CRT management.
Throughout its history, CCP has continually been the fortunate recipient of contributions from many gifted and talented volunteers both from Carmel and throughout the Central Indiana region, and without the benefit of any public funding for all but 4 years of its existence. Carmel should consider itself fortunate to be the home of a community theater organization with such a prestigious reputation that it draws patrons from a 75 mile radius to see its productions.
Common sense and logic should also underscore the fact that CCP's presence reaps cultural and economic benefits for the city of Carmel. Such positive civic contributions merit respect and recognition from the City Administration in all municipal matters, including funding requests. But rather than objectively accord CCP its justly earned consideration in his funding allocation recommendation to the Carmel City Council, Mayor Brainerd instead acted on his own bias and employed sneaky political subterfuges to exclude CCP and secure funding for his friends. . . friends who just happen to be the current management of CRT. In contrast to CCP, CRT is an insular organization which includes the Carmel City Council President among its members, repeatedly casts from the same small group of actors for each production, and whose productions themselves have generally not been well received in its first season.
In spite of the blatant partisanship and favoritism displayed by the Carmel City Government the past 2 years though, CCP has not missed a step and continues to successfully fund and produce highly acclaimed and widely viewed shows. Yes, it could have used the $40,000 it requested in its submitted proposal to Mayor Brainerd. But CCP can still count on loyal support and patronage from throughout the Indianapolis arts community. With a dedicated staff, CCP will endure and overcome this recent snub and
continue to enhance the profile of Carmel with continued quality theater.
If they can't even support the Carmel Symphony, which needed taxpayer handouts and Feinstein's show bombed on Broadway after twenty concerts, I wonder what kind of entertainment will be supported. Several other high quality organizations also failed to receive support from the Carmel community.
I suppose the elaborate hall will be supported by such groups as Blue Men, Stomp, Jay-Z, Country singers, rap artists,and others of that ilk. I wonder how many have ever attended the symphony or would know who Mendelssohn and Rimsky-Korsakov were???
Mayor Brainerd instead acted on his own bias (LIE) and employed sneaky political subterfuges to exclude CCP (LIE) and secure funding for his friends (LIE) . . . friends who just happen to be the current management of CRT(They are friends with anybody/everybody who is reasonable) . In contrast to CCP, CRT is an insular organization (LIE) which includes the Carmel City Council President among its members (As well as most of the Carmel Theatre Community), repeatedly casts from the same small group of actors for each production(LIE) , and whose productions themselves have generally not been well received in its first season (FAT LIE)."
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In spite of the blatant partisanship and favoritism displayed by the Carmel City Government (LIE) the past 2 years though, CCP has not missed a step (LIE).
The truth â?? Is so ridiculous that it strains credibility, If I were to tell you what started the schism and what forced CCP out of consideration of any grant, you would say I was crazy. You would say that CCP just could not have acted so childishly. (They did) It would be impossible for grown people to act and fall under the influence of [pick your adjective].
Believe me or not, but find out for yourself, EVERY misstep/mistake made has been made by CCP. They have used people and the lies pointed out above to foster there â??Poor CCPâ?? line. You need to quit listening to these CCPers and find out the truth for yourselves. As I said, you wonâ??t believe me because it is so stupid, so childish, so funny - but it is true.
But you do not have to worry EVERY person instrumental in forming CCP has joined the other group â?? and History belongs to those that made it.
I actually left Indy a couple of years ago, but was active in the theater scene when I lived there (although never in Carmel productions). So I'll periodically check in on the news to see what's going on in my old 'hood and such. And I've got to say -- as an independent observer...all of these angry, attacking posts? Coming across as incredibly immature and really doing nothing to help the arguments. Threatening people with looking foolish when the "truth" comes out? Followed by more "LIES" accusations? Come on. If there's a "truth" that needs to come out, then by all means, let's hear it. But honestly....why does it really matter? Who cares at this point how the groups formed, or who got mad at who, or who walked out on what? This article is about one group completely being denied any funding in favor of another. And that certain group receiving funding well in excess of other (and some more established) groups in the area. Even without knowing anything at all about the process...on the surface it just doesn't smell right.
But even with all of that, the official CCP response posted above (on the same day that the article was published) acknowledged past issues, expressed support of CRT, and asked the attacks to stop. Honestly, it's that kind of response that stands out above all of these other threats and childish name calling. At least it does for me.
Best of luck to both groups, and I really hope that all of this silly bickering can stop. It's not productive, and there are more important things to focus on now.
I have no problem with them (CCP) doing whatever they want, go where ever they want. But The Rep, anybody associated with the The Rep, the Carmel Mayor and The Carmel City Council had NOTHING to do with CCP's downfall. CCP is the reason (and the only reason) CCP is in the position they are. So their pointing fingers at the most supportive group of elected officals of the Arts in Indiana perhaps the US; is ugly, unfortunate and untrue. They are simply trying to ruin the Arts in Carmel or they wouldn't be telling the lies they do. They have come out and publicly said "The Rep is not at fault here" yet they let loose the hounds of (Heck) and spread the lies. BorisK's post full of lies proves my point. It could of been written only by a CCP board Member or someone close. Your own poining finger at The Rep and not even mentioning CCP'c posts also tells me volumes.
If they want to tell the truth then the calls for the truth will stop. But as long as their Board/staff members are out there printing blantant falsehoods -My cheeks are red and bleeding from turning them and I am tired of it.
I agree with you the truth needs to come out. But I hope people are ashamed when they do hear it as to some of the falsehoods they printed. I doubt it because they are working for distruction not Art!
Portia -- but, again....why do you care? At this point, just move on. You're SO focused on what this person is saying and what that person is saying....who cares? Honestly -- people are going to believe what they want to believe, no matter how many attacks and "LIES!" statements you post. Plus (assuming you're from CRT) you've now got $75K to make a great season. So accept it and make a great season with it. And allow CCP to do the same.
It's amazing to me how much energy is wasted on negativity....and for what? Let. It. Go. It's in the past and doesn't matter. Move on.
I will stop when everybody realizes what CCP morphed into is the reason that they did not get a grant and not everybody else fault. The Mayor followed the letter of the law and exactly as the process was suppose to. He made the best possible decision. You and the rest of the morphed CCP board just need to realize it and you are the ones that need to move on. If you had an ounce of business sense you would be moving to merge with The Rep not making them enemies. But once again your PRIDE will lead you to utterly fail than to ask for help.
Its sad but its true!
I don't get why everyone seems to be posting under "MJM" now, as I have only posted twice (well, now three) times. But again, you all are only proving my initial point. Stop the madness. All of you. You're acting like children. I assure you all that I have NO dog in this fight (I don't even live there, for god's sake). Stop the name calling, stop posting under everyone else's name, it only makes you look even more ridiculous. If you can't let go of all of this negativity I really don't see any way that either group can succeed. Which is sad. Let it go, it's in the past....and go produce your seasons! Being successful is the best revenge, after all.
I'm out! Unlike many of you, I have better things to do than bicker on message boards. I'm sure there will continue to be a multitude of future "MJM" posts....just note that they will NOT be from me. :-) Peace!
long-time management childishly
Hifalutin Brainard
tax dollars being wasted
sometimes (bad) performer
Just to mentioned a very few. Proves that your sour grapes are just that. Why did you not mention their hateful posts? Is because they are yours?
How does anyone know who's standing up for who around here? Names all over the place, accusations flying around....crazy! Then someone comes in, encouraging everyone to just put all of the crap behind them and put the energy into producing good shows (and, looking back at the posts...it's telling *both* groups to do so) -- and then *that* person is attacked.
Maybe this is all one person...arguing with himself / herself?
Leaving aside all of the "he said, she said " accusations, I am a little bumfuzzled about the seeming importance of whether this person or that person is from Carmel. I would venture to guess that there are a great many people living in Carmel that are relatively new residents who could care less about old Carmel. Their voice is just as valid as anyone else's.
No organization can grow if the very same people are in charge year after year after year. Stepping aside to let in new blood and new ideas is a good thing. Theatre is a collaborative art. When it becomes all about one person's vision year after year, stagnation tends to set in.
This is especially true in community theatre in Indianapolis(and we are all one big community as evidenced by the success of the Encore Association). Many people become involved with different organizations no matter where they live. Only by sharing and respecting the ideas of others can someone grow as as a thespian.
This little dispute may become moot after next year anyhow when the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater moves north and becomes the Big Dog in Carmel(especially for musicals).
However I still see as funny that CCP goes on and on and on about how everybody else is to blame for their poor planning, bad business models, poor decisions, attacking people who had nothing to do with the above, sending emails that virtually try to blackmail elected officials with bad publicity if they did not bend to their wishes. Then hiding behind their attack dogs they wipped into a frenzy. And once again it's 'poor CCP'.
When finally someone stands up and tells the truth - it is all about 'Let's put this behind us' - Don't demand the truth just forget all the hateful things CCP's attack dogs said (in exactly the way CCP's board threatened to do).
The word is â??convenientâ?? You want this to stop then quit trying to defend the guilty.
Say Jim, here is a quiz for you: Can you name the 7 presidents CCP has had in 14 years (each serving multiple year terms)? Next, how many presidents has very successful Footlites had in the same time period? Has any area community theater had more changes in the top leadership over the same time period?
Yes, you are a CCP Attack Dog either knowingly or unknowinly spreading the falsehoods the ' morphed ' CCP has been spreading over the past year and a half.
If you want to have a voice in this debate - please, please, please let it be an informed - true one.
I don't think one person in the morphed CCP can name all the old presidents or even all the founders!
It is correct that the true CCP is now called The Rep. I really do not know why they are so stubburn and just don't join forces. I know many at the Rep who are heartbroken at what Morphed CCP is doing!
--Lou
Lou, If you are serious - email me.
If you're serious.
No, all you are going to hear from these people is the sound of crickets...
But don't dispair and keep up the good fight. I am really looking forward to your upcoming season - it really looks like a great one.
I know you and your people have been very hurt by CCP-Morphed but keep your chin up. You did the right thing then and your willingness to meet with CCP-Morphed to help them should be an eye-opener to all.
I don't understand it but I admire it!
The Portia declares "I agree with you the truth needs to come out."
So having refused to let Portia's understanding of "the truth" come out, Portia declares it needs to come out.
Well then, just spill it for Pete's sake. This game of "I know a secret" but not speaking frankly is beyond childish and absurd. If you feel you have facts to contribute, then throw them on the table and let the chips fall where they may.
But I can tell you this much. Morphed-CCP is the reason Morphed-CCP did not get a grant. Any reasonable person knowing all the facts would have done the same thing. Going off half cocked when (I am guessing) you have not spoken to all sides of the issue to find out the real truth has compounded the hurt and destruction which was Morphed-CCP�s stated intent all along.
The truth is out there but YOU have to go find it.
The absence of a follow through from Lou Harry somehow indicates that Lou just wants this thread to continue to increase his viewership. The absence of a response from CCP to clear up all the alleged lies appears, from an outsider, that their leadership does not have the courage to step up and clear all the issues.
So from an outsider's point of view:
Mr. Lou Harry what is your next step?
CCP Leadership what is your next step?
I'd be happy to host a meeting with one or two people from each of the companies. The Mayor, of course, is also most welcome.
CCP and CRT, please contact me via e-mail with your interest and availabilities.
--Lou
I'd be happy to host a meeting with one or two people from each of the companies. The Mayor, of course, is also most welcome.
CCP and CRT, please contact me via e-mail with your interest and availabilities.
--Lou
I mean really. If you've got something to say, then say it. Otherwise you just come across as flat out juvenile and silly.
Stage is black
A Door opens and a blinding light spills out
Three people walk through into the dark
Actor 1: I'm here and I've brought the "Voice of Reason" and "Common Sense" with me.
Actor 2: Yes we want to talk
Actor 3: Please!
Bring up the sound of crickets
The three actors hang there heads and leave.
curtian
I made up my mind.
Until they have walked you into a corner
Curtain up
Stage is black
A Door opens and a blinding light spills out
Three people walk through into the dark
Actor 1: I'm here and I've brought the "Voice of Reason" and "Common Sense" with me.
Actor 2: Yes we want to talk
Actor 3: (Disappears backstage)
Actor 1: I'm here and I've brought the "Voice of Reason" and "Common Sense" with me.
Actor 2: Yes we want to talk
Actor 3: Left the stage..actually left the theatre.
Bring up the sound of crickets
The two actors hang there heads and leave.
curtain.
So Mr. Lou Harry (Actor 1). Any developments on the Beer Summit? I think Larry Creviston (Actor 2) has voiced his interest a feew times. Have not heard from CCP (Actor 3).
Curtain up
Stage is black
A Door opens and a blinding light spills out
Three people walk through into the dark
Actor 1: I'm here and I've brought the "Voice of Reason" and "Common Sense" with me.
Actor 2: Yes we want to talk
Actor 3: (Disappears backstage)
Actor 1: I'm here and I've brought the "Voice of Reason" and "Common Sense" with me.
Actor 2: Yes we want to talk
Actor 3: Left the stage..actually left the theatre.
Bring up the sound of crickets
The two actors hang there heads and leave.
curtain.
So Mr. Lou Harry (Actor 1). Any developments on the Beer Summit? I think Larry Creviston (Actor 2) has voiced his interest a feew times. Have not heard from CCP (Actor 3).
Here�s the prologue: You ALL need a time-out. And to be grounded until you are old enough to receive Social Security benefits. You! Sit down, and just hush.
Perhaps I am naive, or Victorian in my sensibilities, or perhaps I simply hold a better default opinion of my fellow community theatre artists, to be so disappointed. I am astounded that people who purport to be committed to providing life-enhancing productions and programs are using such a public forum for vicious accusations and cruel personal attacks on one another and on other organizations.
Here's the meat: I am horrified by what I have read here. And ashamed -- that such base and flatly nasty monologuing should go on at all among artists; that people in the central Indiana theatre community are spending this amount of energy spewing vitriol in the comments section of a blog; and lastly, airing amateur dramatic arts' dirty laundry in the most prestigious BUSINESS outlet in the state. What you say, how you say it, and where you say it...most of the earlier posters fail on all three counts. Maybe Jeanette Fisher is right -- there aren't any decent, gentle and loving folk around anymore.
Don't misunderstand -- I've seen ugly and I know what it looks like ââ?¬â?? my other main avocation is grass-roots activism. The divisiveness and polarization in politics is beyond extreme, and the internet makes everyone a pundit. I must say, however, that in all the blogs, all across the political spectrum from anarchists to skinheads, I have yet to encounter a level of pure poison such as is displayed here. Noam Chomsky could show up at a Tea Party rally and not get the kicking around you all gave one another.
Differences of opinion are important ââ?¬â?? crucial -- for if we all think and believe the same way we might as well check our souls at the door. But, crikey! Be civil. Be polite. Be kind. LISTENââ?¬Â¦TOââ?¬Â¦EACHââ?¬Â¦OTHER. Seek common ground. Agree to disagree, if thatââ?¬â?¢s what it requires. But donââ?¬â?¢t keep going with the sniping and the snark. It just makes you (and all of us, by association) look like bickering children. Badly behaved bickering children. And any group involved in this slam-fest should hope like heck potential donors arenââ?¬â?¢t reading this dreck that you have now enshrined electronically for all time. You wonââ?¬â?¢t get a nickel.
(By the way�I would respectfully suggest that posters to this thread send an apology to Mr. Harry for using his blog as a litter box. And to one another, for being mean as snakes.)
That�s enough from me. Thank you for your time, your electrons, and your attention. I�m going to go read something life-affirming and nurturing now�maybe Glengarry Glenn Ross�
A "real lady" would not engage in the game of condemnation by innuendo that is your current tactic. You are quite clearly attempting to insult and embarrass some people, you just aren't backing it up with specifics. The same specifics you say should be put out there are the specifics you coyly refuse to disclose. A reasonable person might conclude you don't want your allegations subjected to the truth testing of specificity.
I am a reasonable person. However, the approach you are taking is not one that would appeal to reasonable people. I'm trying to communicate that to you. I'm open minded and willing to listen to what you have to say. The problem is that you are not willing to say.
If you feel the truth is important, as you claim, then spill it. Don't criticize people for not knowing the truth, as you have done, when you refuse to disclose it. That is indeed a juvenile and silly game, and I urge you to bring it to an end.
Laurie Atwater, I would say Mr Lou Harry is owed no appology. He pretends to be a journalist but made no attempt to contact anyone except CCP about this story. If he wants to be taken seriously he needs to make more of an effort to be unbiased and to use facts in his writings. We too are sorry this has degraded as it has but when the truth was being so badly used, apparently many of us just had to speak up and let you know you were being ill used.
I am endeavoring to continue to to talk both sides by TRYING to talk to you. However, you are unwilling to talk and explain your perspective with specifics.
You claim to have facts, and I don't mind at all you "spoon feeding" them to me. You seem to feel someone else should "spoon feed" them to me. Why not you, since you are making all these allegations?
I'm just asking you to provide the specifics. That's what a reasonable person would ask for, and a reasonable person would answer with them. You aren't doing that.
As stated, your approach is one that would not convince even the most reasonable and open minded of people. I tried to explain that to you, but you are apparently not as open minded and interested in listening to what I have to say as you insist I be in regards to what you have to say.
I'm done trying. If you have anything to say, then say it. If not, I'll just ignore you as perhaps I should have from the beginning.
I would really like to know because knowing all the facts, I can't see how anybody would [you finish this sentence from here - again I'm a Lady].
They stood by silently allowing their staff members to crucify and try to destroy The Rep and people associated with it. If truth be known the MorphedCCP had board members behind the scenes orchestrating these tirades. Yet they knew it was all a lie. To make matters even worse they accepted praise for being silent instead of setting the record straight. To give MorphedCCP a little credit (or specifically B Koning) they have admitted this year The Rep had nothing to do with their fortunes. Yet the "Hounds of Heck" still put out misleading and incorrect information. Just as they are misleading us into thinking that the Carmel Mayor did something wrong. Do you know how the grant process works? The Mayor and the City Council followed it exactly to the letter.
So is this the group you are desperate to save? Does the above group deserve your support? What possible excuse did they tell you for this shameful episode?
Or have you asked them?
Perhaps a little truth was all it took.
Let's hope "Truth","Common Sense", and "The Voice of Reason" can get together and rule this debate from now on...
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A Sequel to M&M's play written above:
Curtain up
Stage is black
Spot light on Actor 2 sitting on stage left.
Enter Actor 4: Hello Actor 2. It appears Actor 1's proposal was nothing but "hot air"
Actor 2: Well, I guess you are right...Maybe the truth scared them all.
Actor 3: (still running away from theater.)
Actor 1: (still nothing)
Cue cricket sound again.
=============================================
So Mr. Lou Harry (Actor 1). Any developments on the Beer Summit? I think Actor 2 has graciously voiced his interest a few times. Have not heard from Actor 3.
It is pretty clear that Lou Harry did not really intend to sponsor a beer summit. All he wanted to do was to add a twist in this thread to keep his readership going.
To sum up: I made an offer. One side responded. One didn't. Result: No beer for anyone.
Feel free to continue the discussion here if you like.
And feel equally free to visit www.ibj.com/arts if you believe I've been doing nothing since making the offer.
Fondly,
Lou
Feel free to e-mail me if there are facts in the blog post that are incorrect.
Thanks,
Lou
You don't get to decide what is relevant and what's not. That would probably be up to Lou.
But, to be fair,Carmel Repertory Theatre presents "The Importance of Being Earnest" opening June 11th at University High School.
Directed by 2009 Encore winner for best actor in a comedy, Jonathan Horton.
I think it best to let the public decide whether or not its money is well spent.
Say Jim, here is a quiz for you: Can you name the 7 presidents CCP has had in 14 years (each serving multiple year terms)? Next, how many presidents has very successful Footlites had in the same time period? Has any area community theater had more changes in the top leadership over the same time period?
Yes, you are a CCP Attack Dog either knowingly or unknowinly spreading the falsehoods the ' morphed ' CCP has been spreading over the past year and a half.
If you want to have a voice in this debate - please, please, please let it be an informed - true one.
I saw a very right winged "news piece" on how the Federal Government was not allowing a farmer to plow and irrigate a field that had was populated by a bunch of rats. Come to find out they were squirrels not rats. It is just how you can tell the truth and still mislead people. To learn the truth you need to talk to all involved and the truth will be somewhere in between.