The Sharon

[aln]

Have you seen it yet??

The Villages Vmail - April 2015 - Home (http://www.thevillages.com/newsletter/201504a6R1l5/)

[judebarsto]

OMG, Patti Lupone???? Really?! Does anyone else know how amazing that is? I'm back north, and renting out my new home, still working, but I'd kill to go to that concert!! Wonder what the ticket prices will be, and how they will be distributed? I'd also love to know how they got her!

[LittleDog]

I play in The Villages Concert Band and would love to play in the Sharon. However, I have a feeling that we will be "stuck" in the Savannah Center for eternity.

John

[gomoho]

Proof they do pay attention to the annual surveys. How many times was a large venue requested to bring in headline performers. What a wonderful addition to The Villages.

[sunnyatlast]

It's a gift from the Morse family that emphasizes the importance of music, dance and all performing arts here. They are here to stay, and that's a good thing!

[capecoralbill]

I am stoked, finally a decent venue. The Savannah is an embarrassment.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I'm a big fan of this developer, but I think that this is possibly the worst move hey've ever made. There is not enough parking around Spanish Springs Town Square as it is. How do they expect to have parking for the 1,000 or so additional people that are going to attend these events.

Rumors are out there that they are going to cancel the live entertainment on the square on the night of events in the Morse Center. if that happens I see massive protests.

I say tear it down and increase the parking areas.

I'm also disappointed that they didn't build a much bigger venue in another location so that they might attract some real big names. I'd love to see Eric Clapton or James Taylor come here. Ringo and his All Starrs also play in 10,000 seat venues.

Patti Lupone?? Really? I wouldn't go to see her for free.

Like I said, I'm a big fan of the developer. I think that what they have done here is nothing short of miraculous, but I think that they blew it on this one.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Proof they do pay attention to the annual surveys. How many times was a large venue requested to bring in headline performers. What a wonderful addition to The Villages.

What kind of "headline performers" are they going to attract with a 1,000 seat venue? It's not a lot bigger then the Savannah Center with less parking.

Big mistake.

[sunnyatlast]

For parking, maybe they have a plan to shuttle people from other parking areas nearby, or maybe they plan to build a parking deck.

They know how to do this. Just wait.

[JoMar]

[QUOTE=Dr Winston O Boogie jr;1036417]What kind of "headline performers" are they going to attract with a 1,000 seat venue? It's not a lot bigger then the Savannah Center with less parking.

It all comes down to cost......the "headliner" has a price and doesn't care if it"s a 1000 seat or 10,000 seat venue. I suspect the ticket prices will reflect that and I believe there are plenty of us willing to pay to see good entertainment. For those that don't want to pay the price, or park and walk (although I'm sure someone will figure out how to save parking spaces, it is SS isn't it) they don't need to attend. There will always be other venues for entertainment they enjoy. It's like everything else Villages, not everything is for everybody. They provide us with choices and we determine what we will support. The Sharon will live or die by the support it receives from us. I for one am excited it is here, my concern is will I be fast enough to get tickets.

[Mikeod]

I'm a big fan of this developer, but I think that this is possibly the worst move hey've ever made. There is not enough parking around Spanish Springs Town Square as it is. How do they expect to have parking for the 1,000 or so additional people that are going to attend these events.

Rumors are out there that they are going to cancel the live entertainment on the square on the night of events in the Morse Center. if that happens I see massive protests.

I say tear it down and increase the parking areas.

I'm also disappointed that they didn't build a much bigger venue in another location so that they might attract some real big names. I'd love to see Eric Clapton or James Taylor come here. Ringo and his All Starrs also play in 10,000 seat venues.

Patti Lupone?? Really? I wouldn't go to see her for free.

Like I said, I'm a big fan of the developer. I think that what they have done here is nothing short of miraculous, but I think that they blew it on this one.

Sort of reminds me of the old commercial I hated. The lady gets a new Wittnauer watch and remarks "I was really hoping for a Longine's". The new center is a dramatic upgrade from the Savannah center and will provide for more elaborate productions and more comfortable seating and better sound quality. It is golf cart accessible which will help with parking and they certainly could add a valet option to help as well. And it was paid for by the Morse family. I consider it a gift to the residents and the recognition that the Savannah center, while fine when the community was much smaller, is no longer adequate.

Acts such as you describe will always choose Orlando where they can book more shows over multiple days and still fill a large venue when they come to Central Florida.

Sorry you're disappointed. Might want to wait and see what is presented there.

[circletrack]

I'm a big fan of this developer, but I think that this is possibly the worst move hey've ever made. There is not enough parking around Spanish Springs Town Square as it is. How do they expect to have parking for the 1,000 or so additional people that are going to attend these events.

Rumors are out there that they are going to cancel the live entertainment on the square on the night of events in the Morse Center. if that happens I see massive protests.

I say tear it down and increase the parking areas.

I'm also disappointed that they didn't build a much bigger venue in another location so that they might attract some real big names. I'd love to see Eric Clapton or James Taylor come here. Ringo and his All Starrs also play in 10,000 seat venues.

Patti Lupone?? Really? I wouldn't go to see her for free.

Like I said, I'm a big fan of the developer. I think that what they have done here is nothing short of miraculous, but I think that they blew it on this one.

I disagree about parking in SS. There's tons of parking, often unused behind the Rialto and hotel, and also behind the bowling alley.
No, you won't be getting a front row spot, but the square is not that big.

I do wish it was a bit larger than 1,000 seats, but it looks amazing from the video. And they will have no problem getting plenty of high profile acts and 2nd run broadway shows. But with limited seating, the prices will likely be premium.

I also believe these rumors about square entertainment being cancelled are completely false. So there will be no need to riot.

[DougB]

I'm a big fan of this developer, but I think that this is possibly the worst move hey've ever made. There is not enough parking around Spanish Springs Town Square as it is. How do they expect to have parking for the 1,000 or so additional people that are going to attend these events.

Rumors are out there that they are going to cancel the live entertainment on the square on the night of events in the Morse Center. if that happens I see massive protests.

I say tear it down and increase the parking areas.

I'm also disappointed that they didn't build a much bigger venue in another location so that they might attract some real big names. I'd love to see Eric Clapton or James Taylor come here. Ringo and his All Starrs also play in
10,000 seat venues.

Patti Lupone?? Really? I wouldn't go to see her for free.

Like I said, I'm a big fan of the developer. I think that what they have done
here is nothing short of miraculous, but I think that they blew it on this one.

Ringo and his Allstar Band played in the King Center in Melbourne a few months ago. King Center only holds 2,000.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Ringo and his Allstar Band played in the King Center in Melbourne a few months ago. King Center only holds 2,000.

That's twice as big as what we have. I doubt that he'll ever come here.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I disagree about parking in SS. There's tons of parking, often unused behind the Rialto and hotel, and also behind the bowling alley.
No, you won't be getting a front row spot, but the square is not that big.

I do wish it was a bit larger than 1,000 seats, but it looks amazing from the video. And they will have no problem getting plenty of high profile acts and 2nd run broadway shows. But with limited seating, the prices will likely be premium.

I also believe these rumors about square entertainment being cancelled are completely false. So there will be no need to riot.

Yea, that's what I want. Come to the square for an evening of free entertainment and have to take a shuttle from my parking space. This is a bad place for this. The square is already over crowded with not enough parking.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

[QUOTE=Mikeod;1036428]Sort of reminds me of the old commercial I hated. The lady gets a new Wittnauer watch and remarks "I was really hoping for a Longine's". The new center is a dramatic upgrade from the Savannah center and will provide for more elaborate productions and more comfortable seating and better sound quality. It is golf cart accessible which will help with parking and they certainly could add a valet option to help as well. And it was paid for by the Morse family. I consider it a gift to the residents and the recognition that the Savannah center, while fine when the community was much smaller, is no longer adequate.

Acts such as you describe will always choose Orlando where they can book more shows over multiple days and still fill a large venue when they come to Central Florida.

Sorry you're disappointed. Might want to wait and see what is presented there.[/QUOTE

A gift to the residents? Do you think that the Morse family will not make money from this? There's nothing wrong with a business making a profit but this is not a gift for the residents. It's an opportunity for the Morse family to make more money. And they'll make that money by inconveniencing all of the residents that are not interested in shelling out big bucks for the likes of Patti Lupone.

Live entertainment 365 nights a year is a big feature of The Villages. It's bad enough when they have market night and you can't find a place to park. I can imagine what it's going to be like when there's an event in The Sharon.

Tear it down and build a real venue where there's enough room.

[JGVillages]

A couple of shows announced but nothing on when or where tickets will be available. Any one have a clue?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A couple of shows announced but nothing on when or where tickets will be available. Any one have a clue?

Who's coming? Adele? Andrea Bocelli? Brian Setzer? BB King? Maybe we'll get the Rolling Stones.

[circletrack]

Yea, that's what I want. Come to the square for an evening of free entertainment and have to take a shuttle from my parking space. This is a bad place for this. The square is already over crowded with not enough parking.

Again, plenty of parking within walking distance of the venue. Heck, even a shorter walk than most major performance venues, Orlando included.

The perception that SS does not have enough parking is just not true. The included map highlights the parking lots.

[Allegiance]

I guess / hope The Sharon will be good for property values for those that own homes walking distance to square.

[luckylilly]

Instead of all the single car parking lots that are behind the shops in the town squares, why not put in high-rise parking garages. It certainly would hold 6 to 8 times the number of cars. Leave the on street parking to handicap only &/or golf carts. Many times I take a pass on things going on in the squares simply because I get tired of cruising the streets looking for a place to park. If curtailed parking is a means of crowd control. it's working.

[joldnol]

it makes too much sense lucky

[Bogie Shooter]

Schedule, prices , info.
The Sharon | The Villages Sharon L. Morse Peforming Arts Center | Tickets and Upcoming Performances (http://thesharon.com/)

[Bogie Shooter]

Doc, I think you have made your point, let it go...................

[JGVillages]

Instead of all the single car parking lots that are behind the shops in the town squares, why not put in high-rise parking garages. It certainly would hold 6 to 8 times the number of cars. Leave the on street parking to handicap only &/or golf carts. Many times I take a pass on things going on in the squares simply because I get tired of cruising the streets looking for a place to park. If curtailed parking is a means of crowd control. it's working.

Will be busy during Snowbird season and that will never change, but I give them thanks for the non-congestion the other 8-9 months a year. That is our full-timers "season".:wave:

[lpkshop]

A couple of shows announced but nothing on when or where tickets will be available. Any one have a clue?
The website indicates dates the tix go on sale and they will be available at the same box offices we used for Savannah.

[redwitch]

I'm with Boogie on the parking issue and the venue being too small. Once upon a time there was talk of building a true regional arts center. This was squashed when the Morses announced plans to renovate the Church on the Squares. I believe this was a great disservice to us all.

The prices seem to be over valued. $150 for Patty L??? $150 for Springsteen, yes; for the Stones, yeppers. But not even for Meat Loaf would I pay that amount and my all-time favorite song is Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. We obviously won't be getting the Bolshoi or the Kirov but the Moscow Company is third-rate at best. Here's hoping the price reflects the talent. A philharmonic from Northern Poland? Really? The Pirates of Penzance? That was old when I was a kid.

Now that I've done my complaining, I have no doubt I will attend some events here. Even a third-rate ballet company is better than none, especially if performing a ballet I dearly love such as Cinderella. Patty L, no. Crystal Gayle, maybe. The interior does look lovely and the sound system is supposed to be superb. So, looking forward to some events and hope to see some of you there.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I'm with Boogie on the parking issue and the venue being too small. Once upon a time there was talk of building a true regional arts center. This was squashed when the Morses announced plans to renovate the Church on the Squares. I believe this was a great disservice to us all.

The prices seem to be over valued. $150 for Patty L??? $150 for Springsteen, yes; for the Stones, yeppers. But not even for Meat Loaf would I pay that amount and my all-time favorite song is Paradise by the Dashboard Lights. We obviously won't be getting the Bolshoi or the Kirov but the Moscow Company is third-rate at best. Here's hoping the price reflects the talent. A philharmonic from Northern Poland? Really? The Pirates of Penzance? That was old when I was a kid.

Now that I've done my complaining, I have no doubt I will attend some events here. Even a third-rate ballet company is better than none, especially if performing a ballet I dearly love such as Cinderella. Patty L, no. Crystal Gayle, maybe. The interior does look lovely and the sound system is supposed to be superb. So, looking forward to some events and hope to see some of you there.

The only thing I'd be vaguely interested in would be the Million Dollar Quartet, but as you say, not for that kind of money. Other than that I see a few third rate orchestras, a bunch of washed up stars, and some impersonators ripping off the public with big names.

But I do agree, The interior of the building looks fantastic and from what I understand the whole thing is state of the art. The sound system is supposedly phenomenal.

[TVMayor]

For parking, maybe they have a plan to shuttle people from other parking areas nearby, or maybe they plan to build a parking deck.

They know how to do this. Just wait.
Parking would not be a problem if the show started at 9:00pm.

[Chi-Town]

Why complain about a top notch venue that gives us options for our entertainmenr dollar? Parking will work itself out. And it's a nice chance to have a night out for dinner and a show.

[TVMayor]

And we have Publix parking all the way to Winn-Dixie.

[Kahuna32162]

Doc and Red, why be so pessimistic? Why do you have to try to kill something before you've even seen it or gone to a show. All your complaints about the talent, the venue and the parking are just speculation. I, for one, am very excited that we are getting a venue to attract the kind of shows that an area with a population of over 125,000 deserves.

Why can't we see that this will be the kind of cultural attraction that we've been starved for for years? This will be a very good thing thing for Spanish Springs and will draw customers in from not only the Villages, but the surrounding area as well. I see the possibility of major improvements to both the retail and dining options as the new venue takes hold and continues to offer a variety of music, stage and dance performances.

[aln]

Well today's Daily Sun should put to rest the RUMOR about cancelling Square entertainment..... The Sharon opens April 30 and the Gator Paw Band is scheduled for the Square.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Why complain about a top notch venue that gives us options for our entertainmenr dollar? Parking will work itself out. And it's a nice chance to have a night out for dinner and a show.

I guess some of us complain because we think that it could be so much better.

I love The Villages. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I think that the developer has done a magnificent job is almost every aspect of lie here. The one place that I'd say they are weak is in entertainment. I'm sick and tired of seeing DJs and people singing to tracks in the squares. By my definition, that is not live entertainment. It's people playing recordings.

They bring a lot of old washed up entertainers into the Savannah and charge exorbitant prices to see them. The reason for that is that the venue is too small. The Sharon with all of it's state of the art technology is only 150-200 seats larger. This, in my opinion was a big mistake. They should have build a much larger facility in an area that wouldn't inconvenient so many residents who choose not to attend a particular show. A larger venue would have allowed them to bring in people like Springsteen and others that have been mentioned here. It also would have kept the costs reasonable for a lot of the second and third rate entertainers they bring in.

As far as the parking working itself out, I have no idea how that is supposed Sorry, but you'd still have a huge problem. First of all, people in The Villages go home and go to bed at 9:00. I play at events that are scheduled from 5-9 and half the people are rushing out at 8:00. Take a look at the squares most nights. Half the people never hear the fourth set.

Even if you did sell out events that start at 9:00, people don't arrive at 9:00 for a 9:00 show. People come to the area early, have dinner and go to the show at nine.

Parking is going to be a major problem. It's not going to work itself out. It's already a problem when there is market night and Rocky and The Rollers are playing, people are in Gator's Dockside and Margarita Republic watching football and a popular movie is playing at the theater. People are going to be parking a quarter of a mile away.

As luckylilly says, multi level parking garage would make a lot of sense. But I don't see that as The Villages style. It would be unsightly. But then again, the huge orange wall on the west side of Town Square is not the prettiest thing I've ever seen.

[TVMayor]

And we have Publix parking all the way to Winn-Dixie.
And on a night when The Sharon has an event the event book in the square could be one of the singers backed by a karaoke band who has a history of not requiring seats in the square to be roped off leaving more parking for The Sharon.

[circletrack]

I guess some of us complain because we think that it could be so much better.

I love The Villages. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. I think that the developer has done a magnificent job is almost every aspect of lie here. The one place that I'd say they are weak is in entertainment. I'm sick and tired of seeing DJs and people singing to tracks in the squares. By my definition, that is not live entertainment. It's people playing recordings.

They bring a lot of old washed up entertainers into the Savannah and charge exorbitant prices to see them. The reason for that is that the venue is too small. The Sharon with all of it's state of the art technology is only 150-200 seats larger. This, in my opinion was a big mistake. They should have build a much larger facility in an area that wouldn't inconvenient so many residents who choose not to attend a particular show. A larger venue would have allowed them to bring in people like Springsteen and others that have been mentioned here. It also would have kept the costs reasonable for a lot of the second and third rate entertainers they bring in.

As far as the parking working itself out, I have no idea how that is supposed Sorry, but you'd still have a huge problem. First of all, people in The Villages go home and go to bed at 9:00. I play at events that are scheduled from 5-9 and half the people are rushing out at 8:00. Take a look at the squares most nights. Half the people never hear the fourth set.

Even if you did sell out events that start at 9:00, people don't arrive at 9:00 for a 9:00 show. People come to the area early, have dinner and go to the show at nine.

Parking is going to be a major problem. It's not going to work itself out. It's already a problem when there is market night and Rocky and The Rollers are playing, people are in Gator's Dockside and Margarita Republic watching football and a popular movie is playing at the theater. People are going to be parking a quarter of a mile away.

As luckylilly says, multi level parking garage would make a lot of sense. But I don't see that as The Villages style. It would be unsightly. But then again, the huge orange wall on the west side of Town Square is not the prettiest thing I've ever seen.

Again, tons of parking available.

[DonH57]

I'm not into plays and such but I think the performing arts center is a great addition to the villages but it would be better served had it been located elsewhere, not the square. I see future parking and crowds as a forth coming nightmare.

[redwitch]

Doc and Red, why be so pessimistic? Why do you have to try to kill something before you've even seen it or gone to a show. All your complaints about the talent, the venue and the parking are just speculation. I, for one, am very excited that we are getting a venue to attract the kind of shows that an area with a population of over 125,000 deserves.

Why can't we see that this will be the kind of cultural attraction that we've been starved for for years? This will be a very good thing thing for Spanish Springs and will draw customers in from not only the Villages, but the surrounding area as well. I see the possibility of major improvements to both the retail and dining options as the new venue takes hold and continues to offer a variety of music, stage and dance performances.

MY problem is that I want more than third-rate or beginning ballet companies and we could have had that had the Morses kept their word and assisted in building a true performing arts center with seating for over 2,000. I'm sorry but I don't consider out-of-date musicals, performers who were in their prime 30+ years ago, etc. the type of entertainment "an area with a population of over 125,000 deserves."

We're a reasonable driving distance from both Tampa and Orlando. We could have easily drawn some of our audience from there. Given what we have, the bookings could be better -- the Miami Ballet Company has a better rep than the Moscow Festival. I'm just disappointed with the entertainment selections made so far. If this is the type of "cultural attraction we've been starved for for years," we have a big problem cause we're going to be paying a premium for mediocrity at best.

Yes, I'm spoiled. I came from a metropolitan area with great concerts and cultural events. But I also enjoyed the venue at the Concord Pavilion, which was a very small venue, where we enjoyed great jazz, light opera, rock/pop concerts from those not quite in their prime but not total has-beens, either.

Hopefully, they will improve with time but only if we let them know we're willing to pay for GOOD entertainment, not mediocre. Sadly, I doubt this will happen. People will pay through the nose just to have something here. Those of us who care about quality will be considered naysayers, whiners, complainers. So be it.

The parking is a wait and see type of thing, so I'll be quiet about it. The list of entertainment is out and it is pretty sad for the prices being asked so far.

[Challenger]

Instead of all the single car parking lots that are behind the shops in the town squares, why not put in high-rise parking garages. It certainly would hold 6 to 8 times the number of cars. Leave the on street parking to handicap only &/or golf carts. Many times I take a pass on things going on in the squares simply because I get tired of cruising the streets looking for a place to park. If curtailed parking is a means of crowd control. it's working.

Parking garages can cost from $10,000 to $30;000 per parking space.
500 spaces = $5 to $15 million -- Any takers???

In the final analysis this venue was created because the "Family" wanted it.
It will never operate at a profit and will require constant subsidies.
We are very fortunate to be in a place where the Developer is willing to share some of the profits and is culturally sensitive.

[asianthree]

Aesthetically speaking I think a parking garage would look out of sorts in the village. However the developer could make it look like another building as they have with so many other things it might work. But is it cost efficient for 3 or 4 months out of the year

[Carla B]

Is it too much to hope to see a lot of the present Savannah entertainment transferred to the Sharon and still maintain reasonable ticket prices? How great it would be to sit comfortably and enjoy our local talent.

[Bogie Shooter]

Is it too much to hope to see a lot of the present Savannah entertainment transferred to the Sharon and still maintain reasonable ticket prices? How great it would be to sit comfortably and enjoy our local talent.

I would say yes.

[Bogie Shooter]

I have no interest in the opera or the ballet.

[redwitch]

I have no interest in the opera or the ballet.

And I have no interest in tribute bands, Broadway that was old when I was young or performers long beyond their prime. However, I do love that The Sharon will have a bit of something for everyone, I just wish that something was of a better quality for all of us.

And I don't see wanting things to be as good as they could be to be whining and think you owe both Doc and me an apology since I haven't seen where either of us whine all that much.

[rubicon]

So I wonder why they named it the Sharon Morse Performance Arts Center and also why since they did, that they didn't rename the parking lot at Spanish Spring the Sharon Morse Performance Art Center Parking Lot but why complain when such an altruistic gift is provided solely for the benefits of residents . The only other comparison I can think of, of this magnitude, is the gratitude I get for Comcast beaming their programming, internet and telephone services to me. Thank God for good corporate citizens.

And oh by the way the Center is open to the public so the public can feel the developers love too:D

P.S. Its what business people do for more profit so please stop making it about you.. None of this is done for you . Business is an impersonal activity because its about money transactions and money looks exactly alike to business people.

Personal Best Regards:

[Yorio]

Would love to watch Off Broadway shows if they can come our way. Probably Opera will be out of the question noticing only about a half filled at Savanah. Probably Ballet would be the same. Perhaps Orchestra with named violinists or pianists could be a possibility? Hope so.

[capecoralbill]

The only other comparison I can think of, of this magnitude, is the gratitude I get for Comcast beaming their programming, internet and telephone services to me. Thank God for good corporate citizens.
Personal Best Regards:

Please do not get me started on Comcast, an unregulated MONOPOLY. Their internet signal is so weak I can barely listen to Pandora, ;yes I am hard wired and the signal still stinks. Bill

[newguyintv]

my problem is that i want more than third-rate or beginning ballet companies and we could have had that had the morses kept their word and assisted in building a true performing arts center with seating for over 2,000. I'm sorry but i don't consider out-of-date musicals, performers who were in their prime 30+ years ago, etc. The type of entertainment "an area with a population of over 125,000 deserves."

we're a reasonable driving distance from both tampa and orlando. We could have easily drawn some of our audience from there. Given what we have, the bookings could be better -- the miami ballet company has a better rep than the moscow festival. I'm just disappointed with the entertainment selections made so far. If this is the type of "cultural attraction we've been starved for for years," we have a big problem cause we're going to be paying a premium for mediocrity at best.

Yes, i'm spoiled. I came from a metropolitan area with great concerts and cultural events. But i also enjoyed the venue at the concord pavilion, which was a very small venue, where we enjoyed great jazz, light opera, rock/pop concerts from those not quite in their prime but not total has-beens, either.

Hopefully, they will improve with time but only if we let them know we're willing to pay for good entertainment, not mediocre. Sadly, i doubt this will happen. People will pay through the nose just to have something here. Those of us who care about quality will be considered naysayers, whiners, complainers. So be it.

The parking is a wait and see type of thing, so i'll be quiet about it. The list of entertainment is out and it is pretty sad for the prices being asked so far.

well said red!!!

[wudda1955]

I agree about the pricing for the type of entertainment. We're living in a fixed income and just can't justify spending that kind of money on mediocrity. Guess The Sharon will be where all the well-to-do people will be spending their evenings.

[sunnyatlast]

For parking, maybe they could consider running the TV Trolley Busses and maybe a couple of charter busses from Villages Transportation, shuttling people from (for example) parking lots at Savannah, Lake Miona, Colony Rec Centers, and from TV Regional Hospital parking lots.

The people already ruling out The Sharon as a dumb idea sound like the people in distant states who've never been here and still opine that The Villages is a "trailer park" "in Florida swamps" that they heard of in the late 1970s. :ohdear: They couldn't be farther off-base.

The developers know what they're doing, and they'll get it right.

[Bogie Shooter]

How has it been determined there is a parking problem? That needs a solution.

[DougB]

So I wonder why they named it the Sharon Morse Performance Arts Center and also why since they did, that they didn't rename the parking lot at Spanish Spring the Sharon Morse Performance Art Center Parking Lot but why complain when such an altruistic gift is provided solely for the benefits of residents . The only other comparison I can think of, of this magnitude, is the gratitude I get for Comcast beaming their programming, internet and telephone services to me. Thank God for good corporate citizens.

And oh by the way the Center is open to the public so the public can feel the developers love too:D

P.S. Its what business people do for more profit so please stop making it about you.. None of this is done for you . Business is an impersonal activity because its about money transactions and money looks exactly alike to business people.

Personal Best Regards:

Is it open to the public? Won't you need a Village ID or guest pass?

[Jdmiata]

Some observations from an infrequent poster .
1.....1000 seats is way too small to attract any significant performers.
2......Parking will be a huge problem
3......"a gift from the Morse family " ???

[Chi-Town]

Remember PALMS ? That was a dream to have a surrounding area performing arts center? Never in the realm of possibility. What we have in The Sharon is reality. And it's done extremely well and an asset to The Villages.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Again, tons of parking available.

I guess the movie theater, bowling alley and all the other businesses that use those spaces will be closed when there is an event at the Sharon. Maybe there won;t be any live entertainment in the square either.

Have you ever been up there on St Patrick's Day or any of the other special events? Cars are parked all the way up to Winn Dixie and golf carts are parked on the grass all the way to the golf cart bridge. All that parking on the map is not enough for some events now.

[circletrack]

I guess the movie theater, bowling alley and all the other businesses that use those spaces will be closed when there is an event at the Sharon. Maybe there won;t be any live entertainment in the square either.

Have you ever been up there on St Patrick's Day or any of the other special events? Cars are parked all the way up to Winn Dixie and golf carts are parked on the grass all the way to the golf cart bridge. All that parking on the map is not enough for some events now.

Yes, I've been around the squares during special events, and often have to drive in the back way to go to MVP and plenty of available parking in the HUGE lot behind the hotel and the second lot behind the bowling alley. It seems as if folks forget the lots exist sometimes.

[JRichm369]

A Few more observations, As this facility can only seat 1000, the Ticket prices are way to expensive. ( Lived in a major Metropolitan area 20,000 seat venue, Lots of parking as well as excellent public transportation) top shelf entertainment was EXPENSIVE there as well. The comments are that there is inadequate parking oops that would require more parking. The facility is to small. I have gone to the Savanna Center performances and I believe that this will be an improvement over what we had. If people want Top level entertainment Orlando has a lot. I will not criticize nor complain until I have been there done that and have been disappointed.
disappointed

[perrjojo]

A Few more observations, As this facility can only seat 1000, the Ticket prices are way to expensive. ( Lived in a major Metropolitan area 20,000 seat venue, Lots of parking as well as excellent public transportation) top shelf entertainment was EXPENSIVE there as well. The comments are that there is inadequate parking oops that would require more parking. The facility is to small. I have gone to the Savanna Center performances and I believe that this will be an improvement over what we had. If people want Top level entertainment Orlando has a lot. I will not criticize nor complain until I have been there done that and have been disappointed.
disappointed



I agree! Let's give it a chance before we complain..please'

[bandsdavis]

Is it too much to hope to see a lot of the present Savannah entertainment transferred to the Sharon and still maintain reasonable ticket prices? How great it would be to sit comfortably and enjoy our local talent.

The news release states that the Villages based entertainment will remain at Savannah and The Sharon will be used for professional acts. I am involved with a number of the "local" groups performing at Savannah, and knowing the high cost of producing a show there, I can only imagine how much more it would be to produce a show at The Sharon. We would have to charge ticket prices significantly more than we do at Savannah. But we won't worry about it, because the opportunity to perform at The Sharon appears to not be in the cards, at least not in the foreseeable future. The good news for these groups is that it may open up more time to rehearse our shows at Savannah, which historically has been very limited.

[OpusX1]

Parking problem? I don't think so.
1000 people, maybe 500 vehicles with close to fifty percent being golf carts. 250 or 300 spaces.
When the Sharon was The Church on the square it held at least 400 so there might be a need for 100-150 parking spots. I have never seen the lots in back of the buildings full.

[Stdole]

Doc... your choice of entertainment I would not walk across the street to
see or hear.. You mentioned "Washed Up Entertainers" are you kidding
me some of those you mentioned, many have never heard of... how about
some "Culture" Doc... So far from your posts NONE mentioned.

You mentioned 'Tear it down" Why ?? have you heard it is about to open?

I know you are not serious and really you sound like you have a serious
problem with the Developer in disguise .

[Jim 9922]

I agree! Let's give it a chance before we complain..please'
As usual, all The Village "experts" postulating before anything actually happens or opens. And by the way, they will also tell us how to run everything.:doh:

[DeanFL]

As usual, all The Village "experts" postulating before anything actually happens or opens. And by the way, they will also tell us how to run everything.:doh:

Very well said - my feelings to a T after reading thru the thread. Seems as if one can open up the most simple thread and -bam- out comes the 'easy from the keyboard' experts. Not sayin' it's bad, simply a given here. And for the novice thread-openers that get slammed along the way -- grin and bear it.

[mgjim]

I guess / hope The Sharon will be good for property values for those that own homes walking distance to square.

I hope you're right. I just bought a home nearby a couple of weeks ago.

[Bogie Shooter]

From the "other" site. More information there.


Villagers won�t have to wait until April 30�s opening night to attend a production at the new Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.

The Villages High School is putting on performances of �The King and I� at The Sharon on April 16-18.

Tickets are already on sale at the Villages Lifelong Learning College and the cost is $15. The first night (Thursday) of the high school production is considered a dress rehearsal and the second (Friday) is for understudies. The final night (Saturday) will be a full production.

The show will start at 7 p.m.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

As usual, all The Village "experts" postulating before anything actually happens or opens. And by the way, they will also tell us how to run everything.:doh:

I'm sorry. I thought that this was supposed to be a forum where we could come on and have discussions and give our opinions about different issues.

I'm usually very positive and a supporter of the developer. In this case I think that they made a mistake. I think that a venue like this should have been larger and in a different location.

Do we want a forum where everyone says only positive things and we all agree on everything? I know that The Villages is a bit of a fantasy land for many of us, but I, for one, wouldn't want it to be a total fantasy.

If there are things that we are concerned about we should be able to express our concern. I don't claim to be an expert or am telling anyone how to run things. I'm simply expressing my opinion. No one complains when people express positive opinions but when someone disagrees with something they are accused of trying to run things.

Maybe I'll be proven wrong in this case. I hope I am, but I doubt it.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Yes, I've been around the squares during special events, and often have to drive in the back way to go to MVP and plenty of available parking in the HUGE lot behind the hotel and the second lot behind the bowling alley. It seems as if folks forget the lots exist sometimes.

I was there on St Patrick's Day this year and all of those lots you mentioned were full. I had to park down near Ace Hardware.

To be fair, most of the lot behind the bowling alley was roped off for performers.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Doc... your choice of entertainment I would not walk across the street to
see or hear.. You mentioned "Washed Up Entertainers" are you kidding
me some of those you mentioned, many have never heard of... how about
some "Culture" Doc... So far from your posts NONE mentioned.

You mentioned 'Tear it down" Why ?? have you heard it is about to open?

I know you are not serious and really you sound like you have a serious
problem with the Developer in disguise .

We all have different tastes in entertainment. I'd be surprised if anyone had not heard of some of the people that I had mentioned. My point is that with a 1,000 seat venue we're not going to be able to book acts that are filling 10,000 seat venues.
Not that they would go over here, but we'd never get people at the level of Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend or Taylor Swift. And I'm not suggesting them specifically, I'm just talking about people at that level in entertainment. How about Michael Buble or Adele. Do you think they're going to play a 1,000 seat venue.

Some of the people I mentioned are still filling huge venues even though they've been around for a long time.

As far as culture, I guess to some people that only means classical music and ballet. Do you think that we're going to get the American Ballet Company, or The Bolshoi to perform for 1,000 people? If we did tickets would be $1,000 each. How about the London Symphony Orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic? We have no chance of getting the top of the classical world with a 1,000 seat venue. The Chamber Orchestra of Europe or the European Youth Orchestra?

And I do believe that I mentioned Andrea Bocelli. Do you think that he's going to play a 1,000 seat venue? Again, maybe if ticket prices are at $1,000 per seat.

How about some Cirque du Soleil shows? I doubt it.

I'd love to see The Trans Siberian Orchestra or Manheim Steamroller at Christmastime.

As someone mentioned, Orlando is an hour away and if we want to see these types of A-list artists, we'll have to keep driving an hour.

And of course I wasn't serious when I said "tear it down". It's here. They built it and we're stuck with it. In my humble opinion they should have built a much larger venue in an area where the infrastructure would be able to handle it.

[Bogie Shooter]

Opinion's yes. Over and over stating the same thing.....what's the point?

[TVMayor]

To the posters who think The Sharon is a bad idea.

Please post your resume and a list of you accomplishments so I can fairly compare your opinion to that of the developer.

And by the way, a building permit would not have issued unless it was shown sufficient parking was available.

[sunnyatlast]

From the "other" site. More information there.

Villagers won�t have to wait until April 30�s opening night to attend a production at the new Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.

The Villages High School is putting on performances of �The King and I� at The Sharon on April 16-18.

Tickets are already on sale at the Villages Lifelong Learning College and the cost is $15. The first night (Thursday) of the high school production is considered a dress rehearsal and the second (Friday) is for understudies. The final night (Saturday) will be a full production.

The show will start at 7 p.m.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the high-school students to learn theater production skills too, in a state-of-the-art facility.

[Bogie Shooter]

This is a fantastic opportunity for the high-school students to learn theater production skills too, in a state-of-the-art facility.

I agree, and for The Sharon to do a pre-opening test run!

[Yorio]

It would be truly wonderful if they have a piano bar with stools around the grand piano and some tables around for intimate evenings. Perhaps a trio can play jazz once in a while or a singalong. Kennedy Center in Washington made a set up like that and believe it was or perhaps still is popular.

[2BNTV]

A wonderful idea!!!

WOW - I don't agree with some of the posters on this thread, in that it hasn't opened yet, and the criticism is rampant.

How about the option of valet parking included with the price of a ticket for those who can't/won't walk to the performance.

Let's see how it is working for a month or so to see if all the problems posed are real or imagined.

I for one don't want to travel to Orlando, unless an event is a must see for me!!! Maybe Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga. :smiley:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

To the posters who think The Sharon is a bad idea.

Please post your resume and a list of you accomplishments so I can fairly compare your opinion to that of the developer.

And by the way, a building permit would not have issued unless it was shown sufficient parking was available.


A ridiculous argument. That's like saying that I'm not allowed to have an opinion on the Red Sox third baseman because I can't play any better. Or that I not allowed like a particular piece of music because I couldn't write any better.

We're all entitled to our opinions. We don't have to be qualified in a particular field to offer opinions. How about we ask all the people who think that this is a great idea to send in their resumes to back their opinions.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

It would be truly wonderful if they have a piano bar with stools around the grand piano and some tables around for intimate evenings. Perhaps a trio can play jazz once in a while or a singalong. Kennedy Center in Washington made a set up like that and believe it was or perhaps still is popular.

That's a great idea, but I don't know if the Sharon is the place for it. I believe that the one in the Kennedy Center is in the lobby. I don't anything about the lobby of the Sharon. Are they going to have a liquor license?

It might be better in one of the restaurants or bars around the various squares.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A wonderful idea!!!

WOW - I don't agree with some of the posters on this thread, in that it hasn't opened yet, and the criticism is rampant.

How about the option of valet parking included with the price of a ticket for those who can't/won't walk to the performance.

Let's see how it is working for a month or so to see if all the problems posed are real or imagined.

I for one don't want to travel to Orlando, unless an event is a must see for me!!! Maybe Tony Bennett with Lady Gaga. :smiley:

Valet parking is a great idea Joe.

Are Tony Bennet and Gaga touring together. I saw Tony Bennet in a very small venue a few years back and he is absolutely awesome. IMHO the finest popular singer in history. By a very small venue I am talking about 2,300 seats. It's wonderful to see performers in these kind of intimate settings, but it's difficult to book them because they demand so much money and ticket prices tend to skyrocket.

And yes, it hasn't opened yet which means that everything that everyone, including me, is saying is speculation and opinion.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Opinion's yes. Over and over stating the same thing.....what's the point?

I haven't been stating the same thing over and over. If you look at my posts, you'll see that they mostly in response to people questioning what I have stated in a previous post.

I say something, someone questions it or disagrees, I respond explaining my position, someone else might respond with a different point of view, I respond to that and so on and so on. It's called having a conversation.

[Bogie Shooter]

[QUOTE=Dr Winston O Boogie jr;1037240]Valet parking is a great idea Joe.

Are Tony Bennet and Gaga touring together. I saw Tony Bennet in a very small venue a few years back and he is absolutely awesome. IMHO the finest popular singer in history. By a very small venue I am talking about 2,300 seats. It's wonderful to see performers in these kind of intimate settings, but it's difficult to book them because they demand so much money and ticket prices tend to skyrocket.

And yes, it hasn't opened yet which means that everything that everyone, including me, is saying is speculation and opinion.[/QUOT


And the light bulb comes on!

[JoMar]

I'm sorry. I thought that this was supposed to be a forum where we could come on and have discussions and give our opinions about different issues.

I'm usually very positive and a supporter of the developer. In this case I think that they made a mistake. I think that a venue like this should have been larger and in a different location.

Do we want a forum where everyone says only positive things and we all agree on everything? I know that The Villages is a bit of a fantasy land for many of us, but I, for one, wouldn't want it to be a total fantasy.

If there are things that we are concerned about we should be able to express our concern. I don't claim to be an expert or am telling anyone how to run things. I'm simply expressing my opinion. No one complains when people express positive opinions but when someone disagrees with something they are accused of trying to run things.

Maybe I'll be proven wrong in this case. I hope I am, but I doubt it.

Forum's are for sharing of opinions but this thread has turned into pontificating, slamming others because they believe they have a better sense of culture and what is right for the rest of us. An opinion on what might be is one thing, but statements that are presented as absolutes on forward looking events yet to be determined are just whinny. I know Doc and others hate that term but this thread has brought out that side of people more than others I have seen. The Sharon costs you nothing more than what you pay now to live here. The same entertainment will continue at other venues. The Developer has no obligation to provide anything other than what they decide to provide and we have the power to either support or not support it. If The Sharon had never been built then life would have quietly gone on. Now that it is built it's open season and this thread has demonstrated a willingness to shoot the unknown future. For those that don't like the entertainment, or the venue then stay home. It isn't a hard decision, it's a personal one....it's not a public decision, it's a personal one. In six months, after the shows go through, after we know what the parking is, after we know the quality of shows, after we know the impact then maybe we can have an informed discussion but so far, this is thread is pretty much a waste.

[redwitch]

Are we really supposed to just keep quiet when we see something not quite right? I wouldn't say a word about the shows if the prices matched the abilities but they don't. I expect to pay $150 for someone like Elton John, but for Patty LuPone? The "cheap" seats for Crystal Gayle are what I would expect to pay for fifth row center.

Are people, including me, going to see the shows at The Sharon? You betchya. Are most going to be happy with what they see? Sadly, no question on that one, either. Are we being taken for a ride on the quality for the price? More than likely.

Some of the comments directed to those of us who have expressed concerns or negative opinions are petty at best. Some of the comments are rude and some mean-spirited. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, it is an small extremely venue. The performers are either long out of their prime or unknowns and the prices are way too high for what is offered. Parking will probably be an issue for at least some performances but if we can survive parades and Rocky, we can survive this.

[tomwed]

I wonder how much they need to charge to break even.
Before they closed down for restoration I saw 3 performances in the "Church." Two were jazzy in style and the third was singing classics from the days of "old blue eyes."

The tickets were $4 and it was an hour long. You could buy them at the door. I don't need a bar to enjoy the music. There were plenty of seats. It was perfect for me. This could be perfect for me too if they got the same singers and musicians and charged $4 or $5.

In the "old Church" it looked like all they had to do was sweep up and put away some chairs. How much could the overhead be? I'll bet you could hire those entertainers for much less than a thousand. I'm not looking for "Guns and Roses". Axl Rose is 53 and can move here soon.

[circletrack]

We all have different tastes in entertainment. I'd be surprised if anyone had not heard of some of the people that I had mentioned. My point is that with a 1,000 seat venue we're not going to be able to book acts that are filling 10,000 seat venues.
Not that they would go over here, but we'd never get people at the level of Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend or Taylor Swift. And I'm not suggesting them specifically, I'm just talking about people at that level in entertainment. How about Michael Buble or Adele. Do you think they're going to play a 1,000 seat venue.

Some of the people I mentioned are still filling huge venues even though they've been around for a long time.

As far as culture, I guess to some people that only means classical music and ballet. Do you think that we're going to get the American Ballet Company, or The Bolshoi to perform for 1,000 people? If we did tickets would be $1,000 each. How about the London Symphony Orchestra or the Berlin Philharmonic? We have no chance of getting the top of the classical world with a 1,000 seat venue. The Chamber Orchestra of Europe or the European Youth Orchestra?

And I do believe that I mentioned Andrea Bocelli. Do you think that he's going to play a 1,000 seat venue? Again, maybe if ticket prices are at $1,000 per seat.

How about some Cirque du Soleil shows? I doubt it.

I'd love to see The Trans Siberian Orchestra or Manheim Steamroller at Christmastime.

As someone mentioned, Orlando is an hour away and if we want to see these types of A-list artists, we'll have to keep driving an hour.

And of course I wasn't serious when I said "tear it down". It's here. They built it and we're stuck with it. In my humble opinion they should have built a much larger venue in an area where the infrastructure would be able to handle it.

While we completely disagree on parking I do agree that the lineup outside of the one Broadway musical did not wow me, personally. But I do believe many of the acts will do very well in this community.

I also believe they will be able to draw some big names, but the price will be a premium of $100+

They will find out quickly what works and will adjust accordingly.

[RVRoadie]

Again, plenty of parking within walking distance of the venue. Heck, even a shorter walk than most major performance venues, Orlando included.

The perception that SS does not have enough parking is just not true. The included map highlights the parking lots.

And it's free parking:a040:

[Skip]

And it's free parking:a040:

All that parking is for MVP, the Rialto Theater and TownePlace Suites Hotel, not The Sharon.
How would you like it if your hotel had no parking spaces for your guests and you had to park a 1/2 mile away from the hotel?
If Spanish Springs Lanes/3 Amigos Pro Shop can rope off parking for their patrons then every business and restaurant around Spanish Springs should be able to also.
This is going to get real interesting.

Skip

[sunnyatlast]

All that parking is for MVP, the Rialto Theater and TownePlace Suites Hotel, not The Sharon.
How would you like it if your hotel had no parking spaces for your guests and you had to park a 1/2 mile away from the hotel?
If Spanish Springs Lanes/3 Amigos Pro Shop can rope off parking for their patrons then every business and restaurant around Spanish Springs should be able to also.
This is going to get real interesting.

Skip

I think they ought to look at acquiring parking at places like St. Timothy's, St. George's, the hospital and medical offices complexes there on both sides, and the Publix shopping plaza just north of the hospital, to shuttle people on the trolley or other busses. Or have Valet parking at some of these outer parking lots. Shuttles could also pick up at several regional rec centers.

Personally, I'd also consider taking a cab from home with another couple.

[Chi-Town]

Well, The Rolling Stones Are bypassing The Sharon for the Citrus Bowl on June 12th. Tickets run from about $150.00 to $1400.00. But you never know, they may stop by here for a jam session. After all, they would definitely be in the right age group.

[newguyintv]

All that parking is for MVP, the Rialto Theater and TownePlace Suites Hotel, not The Sharon.
How would you like it if your hotel had no parking spaces for your guests and you had to park a 1/2 mile away from the hotel?
If Spanish Springs Lanes/3 Amigos Pro Shop can rope off parking for their patrons then every business and restaurant around Spanish Springs should be able to also.
This is going to get real interesting.

Skip

Either they rope it off or they will lose tons of business. Other than Katie Belles, not at all sure The Villages powers really care. Retail business, particularly restaurants will lose clientele due to no parking. Even non Restaurants whose leases require them to stay open until 9:00PM will be hurt, and all for what, crystal Gayle at $100 a pop!

[JoMar]

Either they rope it off or they will lose tons of business. Other than Katie Belles, not at all sure The Villages powers really care. Retail business, particularly restaurants will lose clientele due to no parking. Even non Restaurants whose leases require them to stay open until 9:00PM will be hurt, and all for what, crystal Gayle at $100 a pop!

I know, for you, the sky is falling but maybe you want to wait till all your gloom and doom actually happens (or doesn't).

[newguyintv]

I know, for you, the sky is falling but maybe you want to wait till all your gloom and doom actually happens (or doesn't).

Could it be you'd feel differently if you were a business owner instead of a critic!

[JoMar]

Could it be you'd feel differently if you were a business owner instead of a critic!

I was a business owner and I suspect that the business's were involved with the Developer since this hasn't exactly been a secret. If they were not involved then shame on them. No business owner would take a passive position, or maybe I should have said should take a passive position. They, and their investors, work from facts and market impact studies, not emotion or speculation. If they felt the gloom and doom that you do they would have been significantly more vocal. I also believe that if The Sharon attracts those willing to pay the ticket prices that may bring several hundred higher economic level folks downtime which is a positive to business. Either way, only time will give us the facts, right now all you have is opinion and speculation.

[Kahuna32162]

BTW, tickets are now on sale for the first slate of performances and selling very fast!

[Carla B]

So disappointed! Our wonderful Philharmonic will be at Savannah Center for the 2015-16 season.

[Bizdoc]

So disappointed! Our wonderful Philharmonic will be at Savannah Center for the 2015-16 season.

Considering audience size this year, adding 200 more seats would be a disaster. Tonights performance was less than 3/4 full. Look at the 4/14-15 performance at the Villages Box office - more than 1/2 empty seats.

The board made the right decision. And unless season ticket sales go up, Isee major issues in the future.

[Hummintwo]

As I remember the past few years, The Morse family was ready, willing, and able to provide land for an Arts & Ent venue but this unknown committee quickly squashed that idea because their thinking was let's make it a tri-county venue off Villages property with participation from surrounding communities. Personally, it was a missed opportunity. Any venue in the country will not be able to accommodate all those interested in a particular performer(s). Why should the Villages be any different.

The fact that Cattle Baron's Restaurant with Village members only requirement will be a thing of the past, i.e., the Buffalo grazing on 466 or Sumter Landing near the playground. The plan is additional 300 seating at the new Belle's. Dancing may part of lore also.

The Morse family has and will continue to do many wonderful things but changes have and will continue to take place that will be different for new residents than those of the past and I suppose that is a reflection of the changing times and interests as well as the realization that we have commercial development within and around the Villages that can and do expect to profit from their efforts.

[Chi-Town]

BTW, tickets are now on sale for the first slate of performances and selling very fast!
Slim pickings for both nights of Million Dollar Quartet.

[rhondac]

quartet......I guess my generation isn't quite here yet...lol

[rhondac]

Give me some UBRS , TYVM

[rhondac]

no buffalo, no parades, no NYE after 9 pm...no 4th of July, no Christmas Parade.....no more. no more..... oh well....suck it up.....or MOVE! LOL

[Carla B]

Considering audience size this year, adding 200 more seats would be a disaster. Tonights performance was less than 3/4 full. Look at the 4/14-15 performance at the Villages Box office - more than 1/2 empty seats.

The board made the right decision. And unless season ticket sales go up, Isee major issues in the future.

Maybe if the Philharmonic returned to doing just one performance of a particular program like they used to do at Church on the Square, instead of two, they could fill the new Sharon.

[sunnyatlast]

If attendance is lower for the philharmonic, it's probably because of the Savannah center tacky chairs, creaky risers and plumbing pipe hand rails. It doesn't reflect the calibre of the orchestra.

Using Savannah as a temporary venue during construction at Church on the Square is understandable, but not now when The Sharon is open and operational.

They deserve to be in The Sharon. Many patrons would come because of the superb quality built into The Sharon, that will inspire the orchestra and its players' spirits.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

If attendance is lower for the philharmonic, it's probably because of the Savannah center tacky chairs, creaky risers and plumbing pipe hand rails. It doesn't reflect the calibre of the orchestra.

Using Savannah as a temporary venue during construction at Church on the Square is understandable, but not now when The Sharon is open and operational.

They deserve to be in The Sharon. Many patrons would come because of the superb quality built into The Sharon, that will inspire the orchestra and its players' spirits.

If that were true, how would explain all of the sold out shows at Savannah over the past year? I don't think that the venue is that big of a deal for most people. Yes, it is nice to go an see someone in a beautiful state of the art theater, but fans of a particular entertainer will go to see them anywhere.

The Beatles played at the old, run down, dirty, rickety Boston Garden in 1964. That didn't stop them from being a sell out. When they returned to Boston in 1966 they played at a horse racing track. Do you think that any of the fans cared about the venue?

I've never had the good fortune to see The Villages Philharmonic, but I would say that it's more a lack of interest in classical music than plumbing pipe handrails that accounts for their small audience numbers.

No one worried about the "tacky chairs, creaky risers and plumbing pipe hand rails" when Willie Nelson sold it out at $125 per ticket.

This is in no means meant to disparage TV Philharmonic. I'm just saying that when people are interested in something a beat up old venue is not going to deter them and a nice shiny new state of the art facility is not going to draw them in.

[Djembe dude]

Formal attire required and one ticket price $150.00

[capecoralbill]

If attendance is lower for the philharmonic, it's probably because of the Savannah center tacky chairs, creaky risers and plumbing pipe hand rails. .... It doesn't reflect the calibre of the orchestra.
They deserve to be in The Sharon. Many patrons would come because of the superb quality built into The Sharon, that will inspire the orchestra and its players' spirits.

Well said SUNNYATLAST, my first time at the Savannah back in February for the Motown review. It was an eyeopener for me. I don't think i'm a snob, but the savannah is like a Junior high school gymnasium. Put the philharmonic or other worthy groups in a decent venue and i'm sure the attendance will go up.

[DonH57]

Formal attire required and one ticket price $150.00

What? :eek:

[Challenger]

Well said SUNNYATLAST, my first time at the Savannah back in February for the Motown review. It was an eyeopener for me. I don't think i'm a snob, but the savannah is like a Junior high school gymnasium. Put the philharmonic or other worthy groups in a decent venue and i'm sure the attendance will go up.

:bigbow:

[RedChariot]

Don't know if everyone is aware that their is no resident discount for any shows at The Sharon. I was buying tickets on line for the Temptations. and was unable to find a place to put in resident ID. Called box office and they informed me of no resident discount at The Sharon.

[NYGUY]

Don't know if everyone is aware that their is no resident discount for any shows at The Sharon. I was buying tickets on line for the Temptations. and was unable to find a place to put in resident ID. Called box office and they informed me of no resident discount at The Sharon.

That sounds like a marketing mistake to me!!

[Packer Fan]

From the "other" site. More information there.


Villagers won�t have to wait until April 30�s opening night to attend a production at the new Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center.

The Villages High School is putting on performances of �The King and I� at The Sharon on April 16-18.

Tickets are already on sale at the Villages Lifelong Learning College and the cost is $15. The first night (Thursday) of the high school production is considered a dress rehearsal and the second (Friday) is for understudies. The final night (Saturday) will be a full production.

The show will start at 7 p.m.

What is the "other" site you are talking about?

[tuccillo]

Hi Jim,

There are lots of very good entertainers for 1000 seat venues. In the last couple of years we saw Al Stewart and Keiko Matsui in a 500 seat venue and the ticket prices were reasonable. I personally like smaller venues and I think 1000 seats is actually a good size. We used to live in Peachtree City where there is a 2500 seat amphitheater and that is also a good size for a lot of entertainers and reasonable ticket prices. I agree Eric Clapton probably isn't going to come here but I believe they can attract good talent. About the parking issue, get there early I guess ;-)

I'm a big fan of this developer, but I think that this is possibly the worst move hey've ever made. There is not enough parking around Spanish Springs Town Square as it is. How do they expect to have parking for the 1,000 or so additional people that are going to attend these events.

Rumors are out there that they are going to cancel the live entertainment on the square on the night of events in the Morse Center. if that happens I see massive protests.

I say tear it down and increase the parking areas.

I'm also disappointed that they didn't build a much bigger venue in another location so that they might attract some real big names. I'd love to see Eric Clapton or James Taylor come here. Ringo and his All Starrs also play in 10,000 seat venues.

Patti Lupone?? Really? I wouldn't go to see her for free.

Like I said, I'm a big fan of the developer. I think that what they have done here is nothing short of miraculous, but I think that they blew it on this one.

[newguyintv]

That sounds like a marketing mistake to me!!

Right! What they should have done is raise prices by $10 a ticket and then give a Resident Discount of $5.00 a ticket to keep you all thinking you got a deal. That would keep the masses happy.

[Mikeod]

That sounds like a marketing mistake to me!!
What they have done is to make the tickets available to residents a couple of weeks before they go on sale to the general public. When I bought tickets, I had to show my ID to get them because they weren't yet on sale to non-residents. So the advantage to residents is better seat selection, rather than price.

[Carla B]

If attendance is lower for the philharmonic, it's probably because of the Savannah center tacky chairs, creaky risers and plumbing pipe hand rails. It doesn't reflect the calibre of the orchestra.

Using Savannah as a temporary venue during construction at Church on the Square is understandable, but not now when The Sharon is open and operational.

They deserve to be in The Sharon. Many patrons would come because of the superb quality built into The Sharon, that will inspire the orchestra and its players' spirits.

Agreed. Symphonies should be played in a beautiful setting that befits that kind of music. When the orchestra assembles on the stage of Savannah, it looks so crowded that the Maestro and the guest artists may fall off.

[redwitch]

If attendance is lower for the philharmonic, it's probably because of the Savannah center tacky chairs, creaky risers and plumbing pipe hand rails. It doesn't reflect the calibre of the orchestra.

Using Savannah as a temporary venue during construction at Church on the Square is understandable, but not now when The Sharon is open and operational.

They deserve to be in The Sharon. Many patrons would come because of the superb quality built into The Sharon, that will inspire the orchestra and its players' spirits.

I could stand the tacky seats, etc. What I could not tolerate was the poor sound quality. A philharmonic orchestra deserves better.

[tedquick]

So disappointed! Our wonderful Philharmonic will be at Savannah Center for the 2015-16 season.

I am equally disappointed!!

[Villages PL]

The only thing I'd be vaguely interested in would be the Million Dollar Quartet, but as you say, not for that kind of money. Other than that I see a few third rate orchestras, a bunch of washed up stars, and some impersonators ripping off the public with big names.

But I do agree, The interior of the building looks fantastic and from what I understand the whole thing is state of the art. The sound system is supposedly phenomenal.

I agree. The parking situation will be terrible and the prices too high. But just wait until reality sets in and they have trouble filling the seats during the summer months.

I once went to the Tampa Performing Arts Center in the middle of summer and I saw the Florida Orchestra. The ticket price? $10.00 and I was able to sit anywhere I wanted. I sat in a box seat closest to the stage looking down I could see the entire orchestra. But even at $10. they only filled about 1/4 to 1/3 of the seats.

So be patient and the bargain prices will come. But for what shows?

[tedquick]

After having read the entire set of postings on this topic, I offer a couple quick thoughts:

I majored in piano and trumpet, yet I have never cared for Tony Bennett (or Frank Sinatra for that matter). Nor is Lady GaGa my cup of tea. Last night I attended The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra at the Savannah Center. The guest musician (Francesca Dego, a 25 year old virtuoso violinist) presented one of the finest performances that I have heard in a long time. I would be willing to pay $100.00 to hear her again. She truly is a remarkable talent. She played the very challenging Violin Concerto in D Major, OP 35, by Tchaikovsky, a piece so difficult that only the best are able to master its complexities. (Bogie Shooter, I know you can attest to that).

Chip Davis, of Mannheim Steamroller, lives on an acreage north of Omaha, NE. which is where I lived for 45 years until recently. He puts on a truly remarkable show and would be worth whatever one had to pay in order to see him. I do not remember how much the tickets were but the venue was packed. I do not ever see him playing at The Sharon.

I feel fortunate to have purchased the first ticket for the Tuesday night performance of The Million Dollar Quartet and don’t feel that $100.00/ticket was out of line. On the other hand I have no interest in seeing Patti LuPone.

I frequently attended the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha, which carried many fine performances over the years. I now have season tickets to the Ocala Civic Theater and have seen some fun shows and some really bad shows there as well. I also just purchased season tickets to the theater in Orlando (the name of which eludes me at the moment) but have not yet attended any performances there.

My major point in this post is that taste is a very personal thing, therefore, so is what one is willing to pay to hear whatever one may want to hear.

BTW, I can’t wait to see the inside of The Sharon. I am one who is delighted to see her here, soon to open and am only hoping that we, as a community, are delighted in what she brings to TV.

[Mleeja]

Very good post Ted. Thank you.

[simpkinp]

I have gone to the Straz in Tampa, paid $100 for a seat way up in the nosebleed section and been disappointed. And We drove 2 hours to get there in very heavy traffic. I think the eclectic line up for The Sharon is exciting and within our means if it is something you want to see. They stated the first few years would determine the wants and price points of their patrons. I would love to see a philharmonic orchestra there as the acoustics are supposed to be so wonderful but that's just my taste. There appears to be something for everyone. we would never have a chance to get some of the big names mentioned on this forum with a population of only 125k. Springsteen, Mannheim, Stones. You kidding me? you can make a lovely weekend trip to go see these in cities with a population of a million people. That's what it takes to support that level and price range. Get real. I can agree that parking will be a challenge, especially for some of our less agile residents and I am sure they will work the out with shuttles, etc. give it a chance before you diss it. Thanks you Morse family. BTW. What are you planning to name for Gary? He did so much for us and I still feel the loss.

[Bizdoc]

Ted, I suspect that Mannheim Steamroller's contract with Universal prevents them from playing elsewhere in central FL.

Perhaps we will get Trans-Siberian Orchestra instead.

[billethkid]

Ted, I suspect that Mannheim Steamroller's contract with Universal prevents them from playing elsewhere in central FL.

Perhaps we will get Trans-Siberian Orchestra instead.

I wonder if such a group as TSO would play in such a small venue?
We went to see them when they were in Orlando a couple of years ago....(where the magics basketball team play).

[Bay Kid]

This looks great! Very classy in TVs. So glad to see the Morse family continue to keep improving one of the best towns in the world!

[redwitch]

I have no objection to their lineup. For the venue size, it is okay. What I object to is the prices. They are too high for the talent offered.

Personally, I would love to see the Miami Ballet over the Moscow Festival. Our philharmonic rather than one from northern Poland. Some blues men. John Mayall plays small venues and is still pretty darn good. Most jazz players play small venues. Some great caberet singers. I think most performers would rather play in something like the The Sharon rather than a supper club where they have to compete with dish clattering.

Some performers that come to my mind that probably would play here would be Diana Shur, Lou Reed, Cowboy Junkies, Indigo Girls, Weslia Whitfield, John Mayall. We're not going to see the likes of The Stones, Mannheim, ABT, Philadelphia Philharmonic, BB King. So, who is on your list of performers who would truly play in such a small venue (please try to be realistic).

[bimmertl]

Recently attended a Lucinda Williams, a multiple Grammy winning artist, concert at the Plaza in Orlando. It's a 1,000 seat venue and rather old and seems like a dump compared to what the Sharon looks like. Here's a link to an article describing it and it gives you an a list of the performers who have performed there. So it's possible to get some good talent to such a small venue.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Plaza_%27Live%27_Theatre_(Orlando)

Plaza LIVE Orlando | The Plaza LIVE Orlando is a live music concert venue in Orlando, Florida. (http://www.plazaliveorlando.com/#/event/759033-tab-benoit-orlando/)

But that begs the question of what Villagers want to see or hear. The Temptations tribute band coming to the Sharon is the same old stuff. Local group the Dorrells and Johnny Alston, play plenty of Temptation music and doubt Villagers could tell difference between the groups. So why pay $50 for a ticket to hear the same old stuff at the Sharon? We need more variety besides Doo Wop and never ending 50's rock music.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A friend of mine plays in The Fab Four which is the finest Beatles tribute band that I've ever heard and seen. They play in venues of about this size. I'd love to book them here as opposed to the mediocre Beatles tributes that I've seen around here.

[redwitch]

And I'd rather never see any tribute band. There are too many good performers that are original. Leave the Oldies to the squares, please.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

And I'd rather never see any tribute band. There are too many good performers that are original. Leave the Oldies to the squares, please.

We all have our tastes, but the Fab Four and many other tribute bands sell out venues of this size. That's my point. That's what we're going to get. If they do intend to bring in top of the line acts, ticket prices are going to have to be astronomical.

Tirbute band like the Fab Four ticket prices usually run $25-$40. That's between $25,000 and $40,000 total revenue. To get even a national touring tribute band like the Fab Four is going to cost somewhere around $25,000 once you pay for their travel, room and board. Many of them also require that you provide a back line of equipment etc along with whatever els may be on their rider.

To bring in someone like James Taylor, Eric Clapton or someone at that level, it will cost a hundred thousand or more. Just do the math. The venue is too small to bring in top of the line entertainment and make it affordable. Tickets would have to be priced at at least $100 and that wouldn't cover the expenses of the venue.

And nothing against Lucinda Williams or any of the other artists mentioned, but she is playing in 1,000 seat venues because that's all she can draw. She just can't get 5,000 people to cough up $50 to come and see her.

The good thing about The Villages is that most of the acts that people in our age group are interested in are the old washed up stars of our youth. You can usually book many these kind of acts for not too much money. But you're not going to get Clapton, Paul McCartney, James Taylor, the Rolling Stones or The
Who in a 1,000 seat venue.

[2BNTV]

As the good doctor stated, we all have out taste in music. I tend to agree it will be difficult to book top name current artists, in a relatively small venue but I can hope. :smiley:

People will go and see what they want, at the prices they want. Let's give a chance to people, that book the acts, that appeal, to the masses.

My idea is to see what performers are booked and their various prices.

If people don't like the prices or performers, they will not go, period.

I find it hard to believe the Sharon will be booked 365 days a year, but that's me.

[dotti105]

Very interesting thread here. It certainly seems that people are opposed or disappointed in the "Sharon" for several reasons.

Let's see:
1. Parking/ not enough
2. Too few seats in the "Sharon"
3. Ticket prices too high

We all have our own opinions and certainly our own taste in entertainment, as well as our own "price cap". They will never make everyone happy. PERIOD!!

My own thoughts:
1. I love the 1,000 seat size, a more intimate venue with excellent acoustics. No nosebleed seats with lousy sound quality found in a basket ball arena.

2. First class venue. I personally felt that the Savannah Center was an embarrassment.
We have seen good shows there. But the folding chairs and jammed rows were shocking to us.

3. This is not a venue that "everyone" will use, or want to use. Many people prefer to go to free entertainment, watch movies when released for home viewing, or are not interested in theatre, symphony or headline acts.

The "Sharon" will prove to be an asset to The Villages. A higher caliber entertainment option than what is available now. That is a good thing.

"Katie Belle's" and "The Cattle Baron" did not meet everyone's dining and entertainment needs. If they did, they would not be losing $$ and under going renovation. Neither will the "Sharon". Those who go will love it and those who don't will find fault.

Nothing new, same thing we see with all human nature.

[newguyintv]

OMG, Patti Lupone???? Really?! Does anyone else know how amazing that is? I'm back north, and renting out my new home, still working, but I'd kill to go to that concert!! Wonder what the ticket prices will be, and how they will be distributed? I'd also love to know how they got her!

In case you might be interested. Patti Lupone on 4/30 at TV Sharon theatre, $150 per pop. Less than 2 weeks earlier, same show at the Patchogue theatre in Patchogue NY, Ticket prices from $45 to $75. The lady is 65 years old and was a star 20-30 years ago. Wanna bet it ain't like it used to be?

[jnieman]

I have no objection to their lineup. For the venue size, it is okay. What I object to is the prices. They are too high for the talent offered.

Personally, I would love to see the Miami Ballet over the Moscow Festival. Our philharmonic rather than one from northern Poland. Some blues men. John Mayall plays small venues and is still pretty darn good. Most jazz players play small venues. Some great caberet singers. I think most performers would rather play in something like the The Sharon rather than a supper club where they have to compete with dish clattering.

Some performers that come to my mind that probably would play here would be Diana Shur, Lou Reed, Cowboy Junkies, Indigo Girls, Weslia Whitfield, John Mayall. We're not going to see the likes of The Stones, Mannheim, ABT, Philadelphia Philharmonic, BB King. So, who is on your list of performers who would truly play in such a small venue (please try to be realistic).

I would like to see some of the performances that they have at the Savanah Center held at the Sharon. I have stayed away from Savanah because the seating was not great. The floor seats were hard to see from if you are a short person and the balcony was too far away and not comfortable. Hoping the Sharon has solved those problems. I will pay a little more to be comfortable.

[memason]

I remember a couple years ago, everyone on here was clamoring for a Performing Arts Center. If memory serves, a complete study was performed and it was determined that a PAC might not be successful here.

Well, the Developer [and family] have built one themselves, which adds to The Villages.

Now, lots of folks on here are trashing the PAC [and the Developer] for parking and ticket prices, before it even opens.

When [and if] The Villages are ever turned over to the residents, that'll be the day I list my home for sale.

Here's one such thread from 2010:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/time-performing-arts-center-now-27033/

[2BNTV]

I remember a couple years ago, everyone on here was clamoring for a Performing Arts Center. If memory serves, a complete study was performed and it was determined that a PAC might not be successful here.

Well, the Developer [and family] have built one themselves, which adds to The Villages.

Now, lots of folks on here are trashing the PAC [and the Developer] for parking and ticket prices, before it even opens.

When [and if] The Villages are ever turned over to the residents, that'll be the day I list my home for sale.

Here's one such thread from 2010:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/time-performing-arts-center-now-27033/

:agree:

Damned if you do, or damned if you don't, comes to my mind.

Let's let it open and run for awhile before the bashing continues.

:popcorn: :popcorn: :popcorn:

[Madelaine Amee]

I remember a couple years ago, everyone on here was clamoring for a Performing Arts Center. If memory serves, a complete study was performed and it was determined that a PAC might not be successful here.

Well, the Developer [and family] have built one themselves, which adds to The Villages.

Now, lots of folks on here are trashing the PAC [and the Developer] for parking and ticket prices, before it even opens.

When [and if] The Villages are ever turned over to the residents, that'll be the day I list my home for sale.

Here's one such thread from 2010:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/time-performing-arts-center-now-27033/

The Villages IS their family business and I don't think they will ever let someone come along and screw that up. All we own are the houses and the land on which they are built.

[Challenger]

[



Now, lots of folks on here are trashing the PAC [and the Developer]
When [and if] The Villages are ever turned over to the residents, that'll be the day I list my home for sale.



I also fear the rule of the inmates, I have seen it too often in community assns and condos

The Sharon will not bring in big name shows unless they find a large subsidy(sponsorships). That being said it is a wonderful venue for entertainment and other functions for the Villages and surrounds. The Developer paid for it, without contributions from Villagers fees of any kind. Sounds to me like we got a windfall.

[Bay Kid]

Thank you to the Morse family for another beautiful addition to TV's!

[gatherer47]

Redwitch-Lou Reed died in 2013.

[Mleeja]

Redwitch-Lou Reed died in 2013.

I guess he will not be playing The Villages....

[Villages Kahuna]

Ummm, maybe someone can tell me why the parking problem will become so bad as the result of replacing the 950 seat Church on the Square with the 1,028 seat Sharon?

Just asking.

[Challenger]

Ummm, maybe someone can tell me why the parking problem will become so bad as the result of replacing the 950 seat Church on the Square with the 1,028 seat Sharon?

Just asking.

Because we need something to rant and rave about. :crap2:

[redwitch]

Um, Gatherer, I'd forgotten that. Glad I didn't mention Phoebe Snow, one of my top ten. Was just tossing out names that I thought would enjoy a venue of this size. They are out there and many are quite good. We'll never get the name acts and that's okay. We can get some truly good acts but the ticket prices need to reflect the talent. Please understand I'm not knocking this season's lineup (except the Broadway shows and they're a serious disappointment to me), just some of the prices for the acts offered.

[graciegirl]

I remember a couple years ago, everyone on here was clamoring for a Performing Arts Center. If memory serves, a complete study was performed and it was determined that a PAC might not be successful here.

Well, the Developer [and family] have built one themselves, which adds to The Villages.

Now, lots of folks on here are trashing the PAC [and the Developer] for parking and ticket prices, before it even opens.

When [and if] The Villages are ever turned over to the residents, that'll be the day I list my home for sale.

Here's one such thread from 2010:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/time-performing-arts-center-now-27033/

I so agree.

[rustyp]

Ummm, maybe someone can tell me why the parking problem will become so bad as the result of replacing the 950 seat Church on the Square with the 1,028 seat Sharon?

Just asking.

That is an excellent point you shared. The expansion did include partial removal of the rear parking lot. I don't know how many spots are lost - insignificant is my guess.

[simpkinp]

I guess the ticket prices are not scaring many folks away since the only seats left for the Millionaire Quartet have an obstructed view, and only a handful of those are available.

[rustyp]

That is an excellent point you shared. The expansion did include partial removal of the rear parking lot. I don't know how many spots are lost - insignificant is my guess.

Ummm, maybe someone can tell me why the parking problem will become so bad as the result of replacing the 950 seat Church on the Square with the 1,028 seat Sharon?

Just asking.

I was at the square last evening parked in the lot behind The Sharon. No parking problems. This includes the loss of spaces temporarily in front of Katie Belle's due to the remodel. I admit I was concerned about the parking until Villages Kahuna pointed out the seating capacity was only changing a small amount. Thanks Mr. K for posting a fact based message.

[sunnyatlast]

deleted

[tomwed]

Redwitch-Lou Reed died in 2013.
Oh---that's what happened. I heard he was taking a walk on the wildwood side and was hoping he might do a show.

do ta doo,