New Arts Center...New Impresario??
 

With the soon-to-be opened performing arts center in Spanish Springs, should we be reading anything into the several performances of different groups produced this summer by Fernando Verella? Do we have a new impresario as well as a new performance facility?

For all the years we've been here Oscar Felieu has filled that role, performing himself just as Fernando has in a couple of shows. Oscar's productions were always OK, but honestly were getting a little tired. Many of the performers tended to be the same, often "repackaged" in different ways. The newer productions and performers brought here recently by Fernando Verella all seem to be getting rave reviews.

Is it just my imagination, or is Fernando a new Villages impresario in the making, bringing new shows, variety and performers to the new Sharon Morse Performing Art Center? (It's been rumored that will be the name of the expanded and improved Church on the Square.)

Things always seem to be improving here in The Villages. Why not the variety and quality of our entertainment? What do you think?

I love Fernando. However, one of the things that I have enjoyed about performances at the Savanah Center was its moderate pricing, making it possible to hear lots of entertainment without breaking the bank. We have a neighborhood group which goes very regularly and could almost be considered an unofficial Fernando fan club. When they heard that the upcoming Forte concert that Fernando is bringing to TV will have ticket prices starting north of $90 each, each and every one of them declined to get tickets.

Yes, upgrades in quality are nice, but if they become unaffordable, then they are of no value, and in fact degrade the quality of life here. If this becomes the norm, I suspect that it will become a huge failure.

bigger league facilities and performers = bigger prices.....that I suspect will still be reasonable compared to many other places.

I can't wait for The Sharon Morse Performance Center opening.

Bigger names equals bigger prices. If the shows keep their prices in the $20 to $30 range, it will be packed. IMHO

Did you also hear that they are charging an additional $50 to meet and greet them after the show? I was so looking forward to the upcoming show but also decided not to get tickets after I heard about the prices. Did he forget who supported him so well before AGT? Look at their web site. These tickets here seem to be the most expensive of his venues thus far. He seems to be riding the wave well, doesn't he? Those two nights of performances here will bring in $200,000.

Construction is coming along beautifully.

Does anyone know when the performing arts center is opening?

It can't be too long until it opens. Big thanks to Mark Morse whose first offer to build it was turned down by the folks who wanted bigger and better.

Hope it will make folks happy. I hate unhappy.

Don't understand your post. What do you mean?

IMHO, I think it is wonderful that:

Mark Morse, Tracy Mathews and Jennifer Parr (our Developers)
have chosen to honor the memory of their Mother when naming this venue.

I agree, affordable is key!!!!!! That's what The Villages is about and hope it stays that way!!

We have a lot of new residents here that are used to paying high prices for quality entertainment. I have a feeling that prices here are going to reflect that market. Maybe there will be some bargain matinees.