Wine, Cheese, & Poe – In Retrospect.

As the evening is winding down for me, I look back on the past two weekends with both fondness and confusion. Either way, it was a learning experience for me having produced my first show. I’m happy that the people who attended my show really seemed to take a liking to seeing something different and original. I’m happy that the piece cohesively worked and everyone understood what I was trying to accomplish in writing it. However, I was also confused by the fact that people didn’t turn out for it the way I wanted them to. Granted opening night and closing night were decent crowds, however, the amount of advertising dollars spent in comparison with the turnout was rather alarming to me as a producer. Radio airtime, print ads, listings, online advertising, – all of these, from Pittsburgh to Erie, didn’t draw people like I aimed to. Also, the fact that wine and cheese was included in the price of admission seemed a definate drawing factor, but was lost also. Perhaps the piece didn’t do well because it wasn’t familiar with most theater-goers in the area. But, regardless of familiarity, I figured I would have had more people. People, in this part of the state, always seem to be complaining that there’s nothing to do. Well, this was something to do. And some people came, but there were more empty seats every night than there were filled. As a friend of mine states, “All people need in this area is a six pack of Schlitz and some fireworks and they’re good to go.” Perhaps that is true. Regardless, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish with this work. And I’m not discouraged, as we will go once more into the breach…stay tuned for more from Croyle Entertainment. Our next show will be even better than this one. Keep your eyes peeled. Have a good evening.