Something should be learned from the recent success of
”
You Can’t Take it with You
”
– a dinner theater show playing at The Vault restaurant, which
extended its run for two final shows this weekend: Little old
Hollister thirsts for cultural entertainment.
Something should be learned from the recent success of “You Can’t Take it with You” – a dinner theater show playing at The Vault restaurant, which extended its run for two final shows this weekend: Little old Hollister thirsts for cultural entertainment.
The demand is undeniable. The comedy, which was initially scheduled for two weekends at the site’s newly renovated upper floor, sold out every last show – two each weekend – including tonight’s and Saturday’s. Residents of San Benito exposed their hidden desire, and it shouldn’t be denied.
Hollister deserves a regular venue for live artistic entertainment. We believe, for example, a theater house would be a major success, not only because residents would flock excitedly on a regular basis, but also because Hollister is centrally located. And high-caliber shows would draw people from Monterey, the Valley and the Bay Area.
Another recent example of San Benito’s yearning for higher culture is the unwavering success of “Zoot Suit” at El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista. Two weeks before it even began, the first show had already sold out. Since, the show has been extended four times, the latest continuing until March 30. According to producers, theater-goers have come from the Bay Area, and even New York, to see the 1970s revival.
With rapid development in recent years, the dynamics of the local people, many of them from San Jose and other metropolitan areas long-permeated with culture, have changed considerably. Even before the constant flux of newcomers, history shows an enduring enthusiasm for live entertainment in SBC.
Hollister’s Oriana Chorale choir performs to enthused crowds throughout the year, and has done so for many years. Several plays at San Benito High School have drawn zealous attention: For instance, in the early 1970s, a drama group from San Francisco performed there and drew wide acclaim and local excitement for its rendition of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Moreover, locals have expressed fervor when several Hollywood productions filmed in the county, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” in San Juan Bautista.
Downtown Hollister has strived in recent years to increase its foot traffic and, ultimately, the local economy. A live entertainment venue would do the cause justice.
The vacant corner at Fourth and San Benito streets has a bustling potential. Or perhaps, the historic Pendergrass building at Fifth and San Benito streets will be on the market in the coming months if the city denies a $1 million loan to an interested buyer, who, thus far, has not disclosed a detailed plan.
Locals should not be forced to drive elsewhere, hours away, for live entertainment any longer. Imagine a theater house, a music venue, a comedy club or whatever it may be – weekends glowing with excitement here in Hollister.
The potential is undeniable. It would be a gross indecency to spurn this desire any longer.
