Dear Source,
It seems a shame when we have such impeccable talent as the Oakland Ballet, that the joy of it is marred by the continual march of latecomers bobbing merrily along before one's line of vision.
I arrived late, myself, Saturday night at the Reichhold Center, and I was obliged to wait until the first intermission. Bravo! thought I – they finally have instituted a new policy. Wrong. The policy, apparently, applies only to the beginning of the performance.
The two intermissions, especially the last, bred the condition I stated above – a total disruption of what should be blissful enjoyment, even delight, whatever. No matter what you call it, it's aesthetically upsetting, as well as downright maddening.
Perhaps the Reichhold management could make a loudspeaker announcement that such and such a time was left to return to seats. Or maybe they could dim the lights a couple times. Or maybe they could enlarge the concession area, or staff it efficiently. Or simply put a sign on a velvet rope barring latecomers from the admission area: "If you snooze, you looze."
Aside from all the above, hats off to Reichhold for the whole season, and especially the Oakland Ballet. The company's "Bolero" was one of the dramatic and exciting ballets I've ever seen. The choreography, the color, the costumes, the set. . . . (I was even able to "rise above" the interference, ahem); but I shouldn't have to.
Molly Morris
St. Thomas
