Community Theater

As a performer, audience participant and longtime supporter of community theater, I must respond to Robert Koehler’s question posed while reviewing Newport Theatre Arts Center’s “Carnival” (“Puppets Give ‘Carnival’ a Needed Hand,” April 22). Acknowledging that “ ‘Carnival’ . . . is a fine choice for an intimate place such as Newport Theatre Arts Center,” he then asked, “if a theater isn’t able to house even a small live band, why do musicals?”

There are very few community theaters that can house, let alone afford, an orchestra. It is also important to remember that all actors, technicians and musicians are volunteers in community theater.

In the case of Newport Theatre Arts Center, the theater can barely hold 100 in the audience, much less an orchestra pit.

Despite the substitution of a synthesizer and/or taped music, the annual musical is one of the most well attended events of the season.

To deny audiences community-theater musicals would truly be a shame. Audiences appreciate the creativity and talent required to provide this enriching family entertainment, reasonably priced, at their neighborhood theater.

YVONNE HOUSSELS

Corona del Mar