Vol. 1 No,4
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Never start vast projects with half-vast ideas. I read with chagrin the roll out PR being generated by some members of the Napa Valley Opera House management/staff for the conversion of the "House" from what it was originally intended to a "cabaret/restaurant". Council member Inman reportedly noted, "not all change is bad". I would respectfully reply, the other side of that coin is "not all change is good." Mrs Mondavi I believe surmised it best with her observation the idea has her blessing, "so long as the performing arts don't take a back seat to the restaurant-cabaret." Does anyone really believe the local groups and non-profits who have tried to get performance dates, and received luke-warm to cool receptions from Opera House staff will really fair any better under the proposed make-over? Less seats means costlier tickets which means less access for a segment of the Napa audiences who can't afford dinner and drinks on top of a show..
I'll admit to be speaking from recollection, but it seems to me some of the same voices leading this crescendo of drumbeats for change, are some of the same voices heard leading Copia as it sunk slowly and ignominiously into a sea of red ink. How about this. Opera House staff agrees to a sincere sit down conference with representatives of all the local clubs, groups, and non-profits who would sincerely love to perform in the Opera House and search for ways to accommodate both our needs, You need profit, we need a venue. That's a true win-win! In my opinion downtown Napa does not need any more eating places or watering holes, regardless of what name you hang on them. Why not send Michael Dorf/City Winery a few miles north and see if they can resurrect Copia which still has ample parking and constant exposure from the crowds at Ox Bow ?
At least that's the way I see it.
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