If you love something, set it free and, if it was meant to be, it will
come back. An adage that many may want to apply to the likely return of A
Noise Within. Of course, there are other adages that could apply, some
not quite as pleasant.
This award-winning theater company was an astounding critical success
in Glendale. It racked up numerous awards, more than any other theater
company in the basin, and drew full crowds to a problematic venue. The
city added its support with some large cash infusions meant to improve
the theater and keep A Noise Within a vital part of Glendale's planning.
The money was used to fix up the theater at the old Masonic Temple
that was the home of the theater company. The renovations didn't produce
the desired results.
In what seemed like an overnight decision, Glendale got dumped. After
years of community and government support, A Noise Within was off to a
nicer, larger venue at Cal State L.A.
Now it seems that the greener pastures weren't all that green. A
number of problems seem to be driving A Noise Within to find a new home.
Officials from the Luckman Fine Arts Complex at the school expressed
surprise to hear the troupe would be looking to leave, despite a
three-year contract with Cal State L.A. The theater company says Cal
State L.A. broke its contract by attempting to raise its rent 700% over
two years. University Executive Director Clifford Harper said any rent
increases were reasonable since A Noise Within pays nothing now.
So, hat in hand, the theater company has come back to Glendale. It
wants some help from the city in setting up a new home. Free utilities,
some land and help in paying for a temporary -- is that redundant with
this group? -- facility are among the requests.
This time, the city is not as open to breaking out the checkbook as in
years past.
"I want A Noise Within here, but not on the conditions laid out,"
Mayor Dave Weaver said at last week's City Council meeting.
The rest of the council seemed to support the same general feelings.
We were dumped once, and now the rebounding theater company wants to
come back, but we should be cautious about the risks we take. As Glendale
and Cal State L.A. know, conditions can change quickly and assuming that
the theater company will stay settled is no guarantee.
There is also a matter of fairness to taxpayers and other businesses.
An award-winning theater company can be the source of great pride to
the city. If the theater brings in crowds, it can also help surrounding
