More opinions on the Flat Rock Playhouse

A couple of op-ed pieces in the Hendersonville Tribune. First, Playhouse important to County, needs fixing:

There is no doubt that Flat Rock Playhouse plays a vital role in the important tourism industry of Henderson County. The Rock has drawn visitors to Henderson County for many years and should continue to draw many more visitors.

There must be a problem at the Rock. This problem must be addressed and fixed. There are many capable Board Members serving The Rock that I am sure could fix the problem if they understood what the problem was.

Members of the Board include Governor Beverly Perdue, Rep Chuck McGrady, Sen Peter Brunstetter, Sen Daniel Clodfetter, Rep Phillp Haire, Flat Rock Mayor Bob Staton, Retired County Commissioner Bill Moyer and his wife, Dot Moyer, and many community members including lawyers, doctors business people, philanthropists, and even my high school English teacher, Tom Orr. I am satisfied that these good folks just do not know what the problem is because if they did, I am sure they would fix it....

There are several things I am certain of 1. There is a definite problem at the Flat Rock Playhouse. 2. The Playhouse needs to remain a viable tourist attraction. 3. These good folks on the Board need to address ALL the concerns the patrons of the playhouse have and fix them. 4. The other thing that I am sure of is that the government does not need to step in and fix their problems. The government fix is never a good fix. Let those good people on the Board address ALL of the concerns of ALL the patrons and community and fix the problems.

Read it all. And second, An open letter to the patrons of Flat Rock Playhouse by Michael Edwards:

My name is Michael Edwards. For 17 consecutive seasons I was contracted by Robin Farquhar as an Actor and Director at Flat Rock. My last appearance was in 2009 with Scott Treadway in Greater Tuna.

Since Robin’s untimely death and the search and hiring of a new Executive Director (now called Producing Artistic Director), the theatre has acquired a debt of 2.6 million dollars. The conclusion of the 2009 season was balanced and in the black, contrary to published insinuations by current management. I have not been asked back to Flat Rock since 2009 since I expressed my non-support of the current management and its “business plan.” Seems I was correct. Since then I have been described as “retired”, “ill” or “not available”, all of which is a lie. With a passion for the joy and creativity of the ROCK, I would have arranged my schedule to be available.

The truth is I have not been asked to return. Perhaps that is a good thing. I have heard the depressing tale of the downward spiral of debt, audience withdrawal, and choices of shows without regard to the history or success of the nationally recognized State Theatre of North Carolina.

In only 3 years the beloved Playhouse has gone from icon and legend to debtor and beggar theatre on the verge of financial collapse. I can only blame the management and the board for this embarrassing and insulting situation. The theatre has lost the trust of its patrons, it has lost the passion of the “family “and it has lost its direction in a mire of change and redirection….none of which has worked....

In reading all the articles and news reports on the politics and maneuvering between the factions, one thing is still missing: Why has no one asked management to resign for mismanagement of the operations of the Playhouse. The board of directors has that power. Surely they have seen the debts piling up and the patronage and contributions dwindling. The current “business plan” is not working. It is destroying one of the most successful regional theatres ever. The hue and cry to SAVE THE PLAYHOUSE may work as a stop gap but it is throwing good money after bad management and all the devotion and good intentions will be used to continue the downward spiral. It’s time for change. It’s time for a renewal of the spirit and tradition of the renowned FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE. Why is that so difficult to see? To support the Playhouse, support a move to renew, rebuild and replace. Lets indeed SAVE THE PLAYHOUSE and the vagabond tradition. Let’s make Robin proud.

Read it all.