Close Call
Re: 'Weathering the Storm," by David Warner (Aug. 18-24)

I thought you did an excellent job on your article about the hurricane! It was like reading in print everything I had felt, almost. We weren't in an evacuation area. It was very enjoyable to read and I was going through the article with anticipation to see if your feelings would continue to match up with mine. I don't feel so bad for having a slight disappointment [about not] being hit anymore. Anyway I just wanted to say you did a great job.

—Laurie Bonner
Via email

Progress Report
Re: “What to Watch For/Theater,” by Mark Leib (Aug. 18-24)

Mark Leib has been following our progression, sometimes to his disappointment, through this our freshman year. I just wanted to make a comment about our "real" success.

Less than a year ago this project was little more than a dream. We chose to take several risks, the first being that three other gay-oriented theater companies had emerged and failed, and the second being that we would produce shows that would not ordinarily be seen in our area. After all, we are the only gay theater on the West Coast of Florida. In order to provide our vast community with alternatives and a wide cultural array of events, we proceeded.

Mr. Leib has held us up against American Stage and FST and we were honored, but what information was never stated was that unlike them we do not have an established audience and financial base yet. So, yes we have struggled to produce the best possible productions on less than a shoestring budget, all the while working toward providing challenging and fun entertainment. I am not complaining, just giving information that he has not. We are establishing a very nice loyal following and I am very proud of what we have accomplished.

So, our "real" success is that we are still here, growing and developing a group of talented people that share a love for what we do. We are thrilled to still be in the public eye and look forward to the upcoming 25th anniversary production of Bent by Martin Sherman. See you at the theater.

—Trevor Keller
Gypsy Productions Inc.

Thanks, We Think
Re: “A Fine Disregard,” by Hal Crowther (July 14-20)

What a pleasant surprise, the interesting and excellent cover article on Kirk Varnedoe. I read it through with great relish, which is unusual for a Weekly Planet lead article. So different from the tedious left-wing political bombast you usually lead with. Kudos to the Planet and to writer Hal Crowther for it, and kudos to the Planet for stepping out of its normal rut, at least for one issue.

—Timothy Condon
Tampa

This article appears in Aug 25-31, 2004.