The rows of chairs at Savannah Center

[Talk Host]

The last couple of times that we attended shows at the Savannah Center, we have noticed that the rows of chairs are very closely spaced. Last night, we went to the Bowser Holiday Show and (of course) had seats in the center of the row. It was almost impossible to skinny in to our seats. My wife is tiny and had to almost crawl to her seat. During the show, she had to go out to the rest room and it was a major ordeal to get out and back in. My knees were against the back of the seat in front of me. The guy next to me had a cane and he had to hold it erect the entire show because there was no place to put it. I would think they could give us an extra couple of inches,

The show was very entertaining.

JLK

[Peachie]

That sounds very claustophobic, Talk Host. Thank goodness there wasn't a fire, how would they ever evacuate everyone quickly and safely?

[Aceskaters]

Yes, my son and I attended the Glenn Beck show and bought balcony (bleacher) seats. We are not large people and decided we would never attend the Savannah events again...the seats were so narrow they were painful to sit in, in fact, the people beside us were so uncomfortable they left at intermission.

[Number 6]

I am six foot tall and have never had a problem with the seats. I am very grateful that we get such good acts in such a small venue. No one is making a lot of money on these shows.

[Peggy D]

That sounds very claustophobic, Talk Host. Thank goodness there wasn't a fire, how would they ever evacuate everyone quickly and safely?

Good point. What is the seating capicity of the Savannah Center?

Since TV is growing, maybe they need to consider building another
center like Savannah.

[swrinfla]

Some thoughts, comments.

I avoid sitting on the floor at Savannah at all costs. 1) seats are tightly crammed together 2) they are amazingly uncomfortable for a 90 minute show 3) there's always someone taller and wider than me sitting in front of me!

My solution in general is to buy my tickets as soon as they go on sale, thereby increasing the likelihood of getting a seat I like (aisle, center, mid- to upper-"balcony." Be sure to study the floor plan when you buy the tickets in person at a TV box office.

I'm lead to believe that a "full house" is close to 900 folks.

As to emptying the venue quickly, haven't you seen how everyone appears to be gone within the first 90 seconds after the curtain falls! :laugh:

SWR

[Talk Host]

I am six foot tall and have never had a problem with the seats. I am very grateful that we get such good acts in such a small venue. No one is making a lot of money on these shows.

I'm pleased that the quality of the shows mitigates the cramped quarters for you. I'm curious, though, what you mean when you say, "no one is making a lot of money on these shows." The performers charge full price to appear here. They don't take a less amount than normal just because it's the Villages. I'm wondering how you might know how much money anybody is making? I'm also curious how the amount of money people make or don't make plays into the fact that the rows of chairs are way too close together? I for one am not fond of sitting with my knees in my chin just so that "nobody makes much money."

[Muncle]

Does anyone know the status of the effort to build a privately developed performing arts center? I haven't heard anything about it in several months. They (I think it was organized as the Performing Arts Alliance or some similar name) were doing preliminary organization and some fund-raising. :shrug::shrug::shrug:

[SABRMnLgs]

While I do not have any connection with or am privy to any info on a State of the Art Performing Arts Center I do understand that it is still an underground grassroots thing. Some people want to keep the PAC in TV while others (me included) want to move it just outside TV and out from under the Villages thumb.
TV does not want to pony up new monies for a real PAC as it would cause them to spend some of it. Even though TV population has increased, the amenities at Savannah Center have not changed.
On Route 42 just East of where the new VA Center is going up is a very,very large parcel of land for sale. This would be a prime piece of real estate for the PAC. Parking galore and a 2000 seat Centre along with smaller
rooms for lesser venues would be outstanding.
But until the PACA goes public and gets some deep-pocketed backers, methinks we will have to suffer through the 800-900 seat archaic Savannah Center.

[Number 6]

All I am saying is that I am appreciative of the quality of talent that we get for a venue that seats under 1,000. I guess that, for me, quality trumps leg room. As far as this being a money maker, the talent gets their normal fee. I cannot imagine the producers are making much, again considering the size of the venue.

[sschuler1]

Here is the link to the Performing Arts Alliance:

http://www.vpaa.org/

I check in occasionally to see how they are doing. During our visits I was very disappointed with the lack of a decent performing arts center. Seems I am not the only one that thinks this is needed.

[graciegirl]

We strolled around the Savannah Center when our girls were visiting and found it very nice. Both our daughter and granddaughter have been and still are very active in Civic Theatre and they tell us how hard it is to find a venue for their performances.

While here they attended a play at the Lake Miona recreation center and found it quite nice.

I don't understand why you don't think the developers wouldn't lend them self to a PAC, Jerry. They have thought of and built all of these beautiful things for us already.

[swrinfla]

sschuler1's link is correct. It's for the Volunteers' Performing Arts Alliance. I believe it was originally called the Villages PAA, but ran into some "official" negative attitudes, thus the name change.

The group is trying desperately to fund and build a quality theatrical venue. I support them (emotionally, only, for the moment) and subscribe to their newsletter. Their hurdles are many, and I don't mean just the many millions of dollars that would be needed to accomplish their goals!

Meanwhile, I enjoy being able to see good shows for less than $20. Try that in any metroplitan area!

SWR

[SABRMnLgs]

Regarding being appreciative of the talent.

In no way am I being demeaning of anyone who attends various venues at the Savannah Center, but you ARE a customer. You should understand what it is like being a
performer at this facility. I have been only a few times to large facilities such as Radio City or Carnegie Hall. You cannot compare the two.
But when you are nickel and dimed to death (example: when we have a concert, we actually have to rent the chairs to sit on during a performance). Even though TV is taking a percentage of the door gate, they want more. Plus they charge for the lighting, sound, etc people. That is not included in the performace package either.
All that is needed is to look a bit south to the Bob Carr Theatre Group in Orlando. It also is not perfect, but is much better organized and run than Savannah Center.

[graciegirl]

But Jerry. I am told by my family members active in Civic theatre that the norm is to be charged for things like chairs and lights and sound and storage for props.

It is hard to find a place that will even rent to you sometimes too, if you are looking to perform.

[SABRMnLgs]

Hi Grace:

Maybe in some places that is true. If so, you are correct. But that is only so with things like props, backdrops and the like. Chairs are (at least in most places) consided as "conditional" items". That is, they come with the package.
Think of a cab driver, who rents his cab from company X. Company X rents him the cab and also takes a percentage of his receipts. The cabbie has to pay for gas. This is the usual arrangement. But now Company X also wants to have him pay rent on the tires and headlights?? Nope. When you have rent the cab, your supposed to get the whole cab.
Or.... how about going out to a restaurant for a nice dinner. :icon_hungry:
You sit down to eat your food. Your server then asks if you'd like silverware for an additional charge. :shrug: Huh? Your silverware and that cabbie's tires are "conditional" items. They come with the package.
TV Savannah Center argues that since they are "on the stage during the performance", they are a prop and considers a charge normal. I would say back to them, "I too am on stage during a performance, does that make me a prop also?"
Anyway, the point I am trying to make is, yes there are certain items which should be considered rentals. But others should not be. A venue that does this is not high class by those who have been on stage elsewhere and know a bit about business etiquette. (I am NOT a world travler and have not played in large venues but I have been on a number of stages over the past 40+ years, and have absorbed a bit of experience in this type of thing).

[Just Susan]

My husband and I attended a performance at the Savanah Center last April when we were in TV. Now I will qualify our impressions by saying that we are on the tall side Tom is 6'4" and I have long legs. Also we are City people, San Francisco, Minneapolis, etc, and are used to top notch entertainment. And as I have stated we saw one performance.

That said, I was very excited to attend the performance, and we really had to search to purchase tickets before we arrived, as the show was sold out.
The show was mediocre at best, we have seen better High School performances. The seating was horrible...folding card table chairs lined-up touching each other and leg room similar to mid-row airplane when the person in front of you puts their seat back.

We can get past the quality of the show...you get what you pay for and if we went with lower expectations next time we would enjoy ourselves just fine. The seating however is a big deterrent and may prevent us from ever attending anything at the Savannah Center again. Too bad, it is such a pretty building......but oh so uncomfortable.

[collection6]

I would like to know why there is not a fire department presense at Savannah Center events. I would be curious to see if there is any state law concerning seating and overcrowding at these venues.

[ConeyIsBabe]

Folding card-table chairs :eek:

Unfortunately, I have a "bad back" and would not be able to sit on such chairs for more than 5 minutes without feeling discomfort. :cryin2:

[Bogie Shooter]

With all this whining........ I have one question. Why do these shows sell out?

[Just Susan]

I don't know, do you? :shrug:

Maybe it is the socializing, or curiosity or hunger for culture of some sort.
Maybe the seating is not always so bad. Maybe people settle.

Personally, I want to be wrong. I want it to have been a one time discomfort thing. I'm just not trusting that it will be.

I don't know, what do you think?

[ConeyIsBabe]

I don't know, do you? :shrug:

Maybe it is the socializing, or curiosity or hunger for culture of some sort.
Maybe the seating is not always so bad. Maybe people settle.

Personally, I want to be wrong. I want it to have been a one time discomfort thing. I'm just not trusting that it will be.

I don't know, what do you think?

:agree:


AND.... they don't have bad backs, maybe they bring their own cushions :laugh: maybe ? :ohdear:

[villager99]

some of us remember worse seating before savannah was built and performances were held at hacienda or paradise.
as with so many things i imagine the next performance center will be an improvement.
the villages is forever growing, changing and for the most improving.

[Just Susan]

As you say Villager99, things seem to continue to grow and improve in TV. I would expect you will be right in this area also.

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the link to the Performing Arts Alliance:

http://www.vpaa.org/

I check in occasionally to see how they are doing. During our visits I was very disappointed with the lack of a decent performing arts center. Seems I am not the only one that thinks this is needed.

end quote

There seems to be rumblings even as we speak.

Coney, I did see people carrying seating pads into and out of the theater. Maybe that is why.

[Talk Host]

With all this whining........

Since when is expressing an opinion about a very real problem, "whining." I would hate to think that moving to The Villages means that people must give up their right to express an honest opinion about a real issue.

I am pleased that you are happy with less than mediocre seating. Others have the right to expect better.

[roadwarrior]

Personally, I would like to see the seat cushions banned from Savannah center. I am of average height and when some person 6ft.+ sits in front of me, and many others similarly situated, it is quite disturbing. Not only must I keep moving around to see the performer but those behind me are equally distracted. BAN THE CUSHIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bogie Shooter]

Since when is expressing an opinion about a very real problem, "whining." I would hate to think that moving to The Villages means that people must give up their right to express an honest opinion about a real issue.

I am pleased that you are happy with less than mediocre seating. Others have the right to expect better.

I'm sure the group working to get a new performing center in TV would be glad to hear of all the concerns.....and accept your offers to help on their project.

[renielarson]

Although this sounds like a legitimate complaint, I'd like to ask if Talk Host ever posts anything positive? If so, please tell me what it was and when it was posted.

[JohnnyM]

I remember he liked the noise of the trains going by and also liked hearing the doggies at the doggie park. It was something like that. Maybe it wasn't exactly positive :shrug:

[Talk Host]

Although this sounds like a legitimate complaint, I'd like to ask if Talk Host ever posts anything positive? If so, please tell me what it was and when it was posted.

Did you take the time to read all of my previous posts, or is this a generalization that you have made in order to try to publicly chastise me?

Part of my job as administrator, founder and co owner is to stimulate conversations here at Talk of The Villages. If you wish to have completely rose colored conversation, I would direct you to "The Villages Daily Sun" and "WVLG"

In some cases, the threads that I have started over the past two years, have two or three hundred replies, and thousands of views. Some of the most popular have been, "where are you from", "what did you do for a living," and "what is your favorite restaurant." Some of the least popular include "what is friendship" "very interesting and creative idea"

The worst was "day trips from the villages." That received ZERO replies.

At the risk of sounding defensive (actually insulted) I will tell you that I have been in the communications business my entire life. I have hosted radio and television programs in every major city in the US as well as London, Moscow, Yerevan, Armenia and Dublin, Ireland. The high point was 1987/88 when I hosted "WorldTalk" a radio program that to this day holds the record for the greatest number of listeners in the history of broadcasting (over 300 million people worldwide). I know what people respond to and I know what they don't respond to.

I would suggest that if you don't like the tenor of my posts, "don't read them."

[graciegirl]

Did you take the time to read all of my previous posts, or is this a generalization that you have made in order to try to publicly chastise me?

Part of my job as administrator, founder and co owner is to stimulate conversations here at Talk of The Villages. If you wish to have completely rose colored conversation, I would direct you to "The Villages Daily Sun" and "WVLG"

In some cases, the threads that I have started over the past two years, have two or three hundred replies, and thousands of views. Some of the most popular have been, "where are you from", "what did you do for a living," and "what is your favorite restaurant." Some of the least popular include "what is friendship" "very interesting and creative idea"

The worst was "day trips from the villages." That received ZERO replies.

At the risk of sounding defensive (actually insulted) I will tell you that I have been in the communications business my entire life. I have hosted radio and television programs in every major city in the US as well as London, Moscow, Yerevan, Armenia and Dublin, Ireland. The high point was 1987/88 when I hosted "WorldTalk" a radio program that to this day holds the record for the greatest number of listeners in the history of broadcasting (over 300 million people worldwide). I know what people respond to and I know what they don't respond to.

I would suggest that if you don't like the tenor of my posts, "don't read them."

Boy Howdy!!

[SABRMnLgs]

Isn't it sad when you have to defend yourself when you proclaim an opinion? As the POA states, "Things don't get better until you fix them". Which means don't believe everything you read in the local fishwrap.
I challenge anyone to tell me the last time a negative story came out in the garbage can liner regarding Villages government. This paper is completely wrapped up by whom ever owns this area. "Freedom of the press" is an oxymoron herebouts. The only way the real truth can come out is if people take the initiative iwith a statement of fact or an opinion based on a fact.
I can expect I will now be ostracized for making this statement also.

[graciegirl]

Isn't it sad when you have to defend yourself when you proclaim an opinion? As the POA states, "Things don't get better until you fix them". Which means don't believe everything you read in the local fishwrap.
I challenge anyone to tell me the last time a negative story came out in the garbage can liner regarding Villages government. This paper is completely wrapped up by whom ever owns this area. "Freedom of the press" is an oxymoron herebouts. The only way the real truth can come out is if people take the initiative iwith a statement of fact or an opinion based on a fact.
I can expect I will now be ostracized for making this statement also.

There is nothing wrong with stating an opinion.

My opinion of the POA is that they need new leadership and a new editor. I am too old for all that negatism and would far rather read the" garbage can liner." THAT IS MY opinion.

[Best Mom]

70,000 t0 90,000 people in a place with a couple hundred seats will cause a sell out. Plus it is the only choice in town.

Gracie, How many times have you been in those seats???

How well do you know the leadership of the POA? Have you been to their houses? Tell me what they did in their careers.

How many years have you lived in the Villages?

This is a total waste of my time!!!!! I have much better things to do.

[graciegirl]

70,000 t0 90,000 people in a place with a couple hundred seats will cause a sell out. Plus it is the only choice in town.

Gracie, How many times have you been in those seats???

How well do you know the leadership of the POA? Have you been to their houses? Tell me what they did in their careers.

How many years have you lived in the Villages?

This is a total waste of my time!!!!! I have much better things to do.

Don't let me hold you back.

[ConeyIsBabe]

Speaking for myself only.... from the perspective of a WANNABEE who is sincere about relocation to TV (someday), I find this public forum and all your comments very, very valuable - especially those which might throw a negative light on TV. The positives surely outnumber the negatives but why wouldn't a normal, intelligent prospective buyer want to know EVERYTHING?

I've read about the selfish people who reserve empty seats at the squares for many hours, the rude people who let their dogs do business on people's lawns, the crazies who try to run pedestrians down who are walking on golf cart paths, ETC. but then there are the people who respect others, friendly, courteous, good neighbors; in a community of over 70k I expect it's all there!

THANK YOU for making this wonderful, informative forum available to us, for free.

[rekop]

Don't let me hold you back.

Your sarcasm is offensive. :(

[SABRMnLgs]

Ah yes ................. but well warranted. Seems to me most sarcasm is supposed to be offensive to the person(s) deserving it. To others, it really dosen't matter.


Oh and by the way, not to belabour the point, but that is why this thread is going in this direction. TV has the outgrown Savannah Center and a new Performing Arts Center for all arts, is needed. (See pages 1/2).

[JohnnyM]

Rekop, I sort of read that as a statement. I don't think there was any pun intended, although I cannot speak for GG. IMO I think the statement quite eloquently answered Best Mom's post of which I thought was very sarcastic. Please re-read and get back to me. Thanks, Johnny

[graciegirl]

70,000 t0 90,000 people in a place with a couple hundred seats will cause a sell out. Plus it is the only choice in town.

Gracie, How many times have you been in those seats???

How well do you know the leadership of the POA? Have you been to their houses? Tell me what they did in their careers.

How many years have you lived in the Villages?

This is a total waste of my time!!!!! I have much better things to do.


What are you talking about?? I didn't comment on the sell out situation. I didn't comment on the comfort of the seats. I have never sat in them.

I know nothing about the leadership of the POA's former careers nor the interior of their homes. Even if they had won the Pulitzer Prize....I have a right to disagree with their negatism.

I have lived in The Villages less than a year.

If you have better things to do than to fuss at me, I repeat... DON'T LET ME HOLD YOU BACK.

Did you hear that REKOP???

[Just Susan]

Differences of opinion in an intelligent, thought sharing, enviroment are to be expected, even welcomed. Turning a difference of opinion into a personal attack on an individual who is contributing is low, very low.

If comprehension is difficult ie; keeping the facts straight, one might want to maybe, read slower, or take notes before responding.

Oh and leave Gracie alone she is entitled to her opinion as are you as long as it doesn't get personal.

Why don't you take on TalkHost he has a negative opinion of the seating, and I agree with him.

[Talk Host]

Who would have thought that my post about chairs in the Savannah Center could turn into this!:shrug:

[Just Susan]

Amazing isn't it?

[rekop]

Differences of opinion in an intelligent, thought sharing, enviroment are to be expected, even welcomed. Turning a difference of opinion into a personal attack on an individual who is contributing is low, very low....

Oh and leave Gracie alone she is entitled to her opinion as are you as long as it doesn't get personal.

I guess that is the point. I felt GG's comment to BestMom in the original post i.e. "Don't let me hold you back" was very rude and dismissive. I would never say that to anyone in person. Why would we do something like that in a public forum? Gracie obviously didn't like Bestmom questioning her like that, but there are other, nicer ways of handling it. And Chelsea's comment that "Sybil is back" is right in the same vein. I guess I didn't see a problem with Bestmom's questions. I suspect she was trying to see why Gracie was defending the Savannah center and what she had based her views on. No harm in that. The best response is the facts, not personal attacks.

[chelsea24]

Rekop, do you know Best Mom? Because she has a habit of changing her personality as often as she changes her underwear.

Gracie is probably the farthest from a "rude and dismissive" person as you'll ever meet. That would be me! :laugh:

[rekop]

I have never met Gracie, and have no reason to doubt that she's a wonderful person. But when I read her remark to Bestmom, it came across to me as rude. Sorry, but that was my interpretation.

[Barefoot]

I have never met Gracie, But when I read her remark to Bestmom, it came across to me as rude. Sorry, but that was my interpretation.


I definitely thought that GG's response was warranted, in view of the five questions that were fired at her.

And now ... back to chairs at the Savanah Center.

[canadianchick]

This evening i got an email from info @talk of the villages so decided to take a look as it has been a while. I started reading about chairs at the Savannah and this discussion seems to have turned completely off topic. It was my understanding that this was a site where we would find out information about the happenings in the Villages and not a place for personal attacks and calling names. Am I missing something? I have a very sick hubby on treatment and when I read this sort of stuff, it just seemed so petty in the grand scheme of things. Happy New Year!!

[Alex]

Good post canadianchick!
I agree!!!!!!

[JohnnyM]

Hey Alex, what does your title infer. Same bullies same ****!

[rekop]

I definitely thought that GG's response was warranted, in view of the five questions that were fired at her.

And now ... back to chairs at the Savanah Center.

I disagree - asking questions is no reason to get beat up on this forum. And Canadianchick - I agree - this discussion has gotten quite petty. Let's move on to something more productive!

[graciegirl]

[QUOTE=rekop;179836]I disagree - asking questions is no reason to get beat up on this forum. And Canadianchick - I agree - this discussion has gotten quite petty. Let's move on to

something more productive![/QUO

Deleted by Gracie because post was edited by administrators.