Saturday, January 21, 2012

Sun Sets on Harbor Stage & Other WHAT Sparks

When summer guests arrive at Chez Sven, I always do orientation. One of the things I say is, “Wellfleet has great theater. You might want to look into seeing a show. Tickets cost around $25. WHAT prides itself on ‘edgy drama’ ...” This description never fails to pique the interest of guests from Britain, who smile politely, unwilling to believe a seaside resort could really have theater of the caliber they are used to in London. But, since Wellfleet does not offer all that many activities for tourists in summer, they usually take me at my word and return delighted to have enjoyed off-Broadway-worthy performances.

For years, W.H.A.T. (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater) slept in the off-season. But recently, with the recession and new mortgage bills to pay, the new Julie Harris Stage became busier in winter, with opera broadcast on the big screen and a sweet little selection of independent films, as well as Yule For Fuel in December. Then, last August, Jeff Zinn, its founder, suddenly left. I have a lot of respect for what Jeff accomplished and was sorry to see him go, whatever the reasons. He did put Wellfleet on the theatergoers map, a fact we should all remember.

This fall it was possible to find last-minute seats through Twitter.

For the last couple months WHAT has been acting like a dormant volcano, releasing steam from time to time, when in the past the sparks only flew in summer. The latest puff brings news Wellfleet lawyer Bruce Bierhans has been named CEO. (Read this report in the Barnstable Patriot.) Bruce has already proved his competence working with Outer Cape Health Services and Prez. Hall. (When does this man sleep? He also maintains a full schedule as a trial lawyer and even takes time to read this blog!)

WHAT began modestly, by the harbor.
Expansion created the magnificent Julie Harris Stage on Route 6 and a summer program for kids in a tent nearby. Now come more sparks, word that the harbor venue will be eliminated since the landlord wants to recover the space. (Did someone say rent increase?) I can imagine how nostalgic many old-time theatergoers feel about this decision, but frankly, the peanut-gallery type seating left much to be desired. Elimination of the harbor stage presents a way of cutting costs. What will happen to the sign on the roof of the building? Can this Wellfleet landmark please be saved somehow?

Do you attend plays at WHAT in summer? What play did you enjoy the most?
Posted by Alexandra Grabbe at 6:30 AM
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amywellfleet's avatar

amywellfleet · 688 weeks ago

That is really sad and disappointing that they are closing the Harbor Stage. I always liked the performances there, and despite the seating issues, the performances there were always more immediate, more intimate and more interesting in general than the more mainstream works done at the Julie Harris. I like both venues, but the Harbor Stage was my favorite.
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Marion's avatar

Marion · 688 weeks ago

My husband and I are both a little teary reading this post. For so many years we have enjoyed beginning our 2 week beloved Wellfleet vacation with dinner at The Juice, a nice ":sit:" on a bench outside the theater, and then being entertained by some off-beat, thought provoking production at WHAT Harbor Stage. Yes we understand the need to cut costs however these old time theater-goers feel quite nostalgic to learn this news.
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chezsven 82p · 688 weeks ago

Thanks stopping in, Marion. See below where Bruce Bierhans clarifies that the reason is NOT cutting costs. And, also my comment about the rumor a plan is afoot to start another theater troop in the same space. Anybody know what Jeff Zinn is up to these days?
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connie · 688 weeks ago

If I were there- I definitely would attend plays- this sounds like a wonderful venue.
My recent post Feature Friday: The Love Story Behind...
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Stan's avatar

Stan · 688 weeks ago

What a bummer! The new venue may be nice, but I don't like it, I feel like I could be anywhere - its like its out in the "suburbs," you need to get in a car to get there and there's nowhere to walk. The harbor theatre may have been "substandard," but the charm and location and community feel can't be replicated.
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chezsven 82p · 688 weeks ago

I don't agree with you, Stan. The acoustics at the Julie Harris Stage are so amazing and it doesn't feel suburban to me at all. Still, I can see how a lot of folks living downtown would regret having the theater move out to Route 6 and be less walkable.
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Stan's avatar

Stan · 688 weeks ago

Well I suppose my characterization is a matter of opinion, but I don't see how it gets more sprawl like or suburban than an unwalkable location off a highway wedged between strip malls, dunkin, etc. the acoustics are great but that doesn't even enter into it for me. I feel not like what has moved so much as it has closed and is gone. No more drinks and sunset on the water before a show. I wish them luck in their endeavors , but .... there it is, on the road to Orleans .
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david wright · 688 weeks ago

I can see where consolidation would be a good thing for WHAT (Wellfleet Highway Actors Theater, as my other half dubbed it), but will miss the arty/sporty nexus down by the harbor: so unique.
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bruce bierhans · 688 weeks ago

Hello Sandy: Allow me to clarify something. We had no choice regarding renewal of the lease. The property owner forwarded written notice that the lease would not be renewed. As I have stated, we would have loved to have the option. We did not. There was no rent increase proposed. Had this occurred, it would have been considered.
The WHAT board members regret the loss. Notwithstanding; we will move forward at the Julie Harris stage with exciting and diverse programming, and will continue to be an integral part of the community and region. If I didn't believe this could be accomplished, I would not have taken on the task.
Thanks, Bruce
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chezsven 82p · 688 weeks ago

Thanks for the clarification, Bruce. Rumors are flying in town that another theater troop may start up in the space, that the owners want to increase the size of the restaurant and charge more, which will probably cause Sol to move away, and make the housing upstairs more upscale. That building is practically a historical monument. Does anyone know what will happen to the WHAT sign?
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David Ricketts · 688 weeks ago

Boo-hoo . . . so many provocative and intimate moments spent in that theater over the years. And the memorable experiences were equally about what was happening on the stage as well as the audience. Since the sitting was so “cozy”, there were always lively conversations about what we were watching. I guess good things can’t last forever. But now we have even better things: a proposed Dunkin Donut drive-thru window, a super-sized Cumberland Farms, etc.
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bruce bierhans's avatar

bruce bierhans · 688 weeks ago

Sandy: I have heard the same rumors that you have. I have no control over rumors. I can only say that we await word; as do you. If we ascertain that any players interfered with our legal or contractual rights, we will evaluate our options.

As for our personal property, all of our property will be promptly removed, as requested by the property owner.

Bruce
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Stan's avatar

Stan · 688 weeks ago

"If we ascertain that any players interfered with our legal or contractual rights, we will evaluate our options. "

What an odd comment to add! If a new playhouse opens on the harbour stage, I will surely give them a chance. WHAT won't exactly enhance its appeal to me by trying to stifle competition with lawyer tactics.
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whatzinn 0p · 688 weeks ago

Thank you, Sandy, for your always informative and insightful blog. Since you ask, I am well and living in Orleans. Writing a book, teaching, recording audiobooks in my home studio, and directing. My production of Bakersfield Mist, which played at WHAT in August, is about to remount with the same cast and set at the New Repertory Theater in Watertown (Feb 26 - March 18.) Don't despair for the Harbor. There is life in the old girl yet and plenty of theater yet to come.
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chezsven 82p · 688 weeks ago

Article with more information on lease in Monday's Cape Cod Times: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl...

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