More Englert Updates

Saul Lubaroff writes into the Press-Citizen, asking the same questions we all have raised:

Community arts center it is not

The Englert Theatre is finally open, and is truly a beautiful sight. I was fortunate to perform there back in December with the Iowa City Community Band. However, I have some questions I would like answered.

We as a community were led to believe the Iowa City Community Theatre would make the Englert its new home once it opened ("A missing element at Englert," March 5). Why has this not happened?

We also were led to believe the Englert would be a community arts center. I took that to mean that local groups and artists would be performing there on a regular basis. So, why did we have a Beatles tribute band performing this past month? What is this now, a casino? Were there no local musicians available that weekend?

Also, I know that Nadja Solerno is a brilliant musician, but did anyone see the ticket prices? I am a local musician, and there are many talented musicians of every genre in this town that could easily fill the Englert and truly make it a community arts center.

Saul Lubaroff
Iowa City

Simultaneously, the Press-Citizen runs an additional article on the Eric Kerchner resignation. Key quotes:

"'I wanted to make sure I could get the building open, then I had to assess whether everybody was on board,' Kerchner said. 'I just felt like everybody was not. I think the organization wanted to go in another direction, and I don't think I was the right person.'

As to what direction that is, Kerchner and Englert officials declined to say. Board members spoke of differences in opinion and a personnel matter while praising Kerchner's accomplishments. The restored, 725-seat theater opened in December 2004 after a five-year grassroots effort."

They weren't on board? Are you certain it wasn't you who wasn't "on board"? Did you not read any of the numerous articles that discussed the community-centered nature of the venue?

While it's a little frustrating it took so much community outcry to get the job done, this is a good sign. I am optimistic that the theater may actually be refocusing back on local performers, and we might see some good news soon. Go read State 29 here and here for more.