It's no act: Support all things local

To the editor: This past weekend, we attended “The Umbilical Brothers’ TWACK!” at the Lycian Centre for the Performing Arts in Sugar Loaf. It had been several years since we were there, and as we walked to our plush seats in front of the enormous stage, we were once again reminded of what a wonderful facility the Lycian is for all the residents in Warwick and its surrounding towns. The Umbilical Brothers, an award-winning Australian comedy team, kept everyone laughing for an hour and a half straight. The audience was well-rewarded for taking a chance on buying tickets to this unique event. (Although the show was at times adult-oriented, the many children in attendance seemed to be having a great time, too.) But looking around and seeing the theater less than half-full, I was disappointed that more people were not taking advantage of the show, and of what the Lycian and the not-for-profit Kings Theatre Company have to offer. Just 10 minutes from the Village of Warwick and with free parking to boot, the Lycian sure beats driving over an hour into the city and paying through the nose for show tickets, gas, tolls, and parking. The bathrooms are clean and large (ladies, no lines) and the seats in the theater are so roomy, even our long-legged, five-foot-eight and 6-foot-4 frames can stretch comfortably (what a rare thing for us in a theater). And unlike the seats in a lot of older theaters in the city, every seat at the Lycian is a good one, with a clear view of the stage. We hear so much about the plight of local merchants and their pleas for residents to shop locally. Why not support our local theater company, too? If you’ve never been to the Lycian, or haven’t been there lately, check it out - it sure beats sitting in front of the TV on a Saturday night. Peggy Gavan Joe Ebler Warwick