City Council Excuses Willows Debt

The got an early Christmas gift from the city of Martinez this month.  At the meeting of Nov. 17, the City Council voted to waive the company's outstanding debt to Martinez – a debt that totaled $40,000.

The loan, which the city made to the Willows in 2008, was to be repaid Dec. 1, but last week's 3-to-0 vote effectively cancelled the cash-strapped theater group's obligation.

"The Willows Theater has provided physical and spiritual improvement for our town," said City Councilman Mark Ross. "I never expected them to be fully profitable. I would rather see the $40,000 invested back into the company. They make us stand out as a community that believes in the arts."

"I support forgiving the loan," said Mayor Rob Schroder. "We have a very strong partnership. They have a strong board of directors, and I can't remember when that place wasn't packed."

That's just the latest in a series of fortunate events for the Willows – Martinez's only professional theater group – which resides at the Campbell Theatre on Ward Street.

Richard Elliott, the Willows' longtime artistic director, announced his resignation in October, leaving the company without a top administrator for the first time in nearly three decades.  Elliott, who has moved to Arizona for a teaching job at Tucson's Pima Community College, helmed the Willows in its original Concord venue, supervised its move to Martinez and continued as administrator and director in productions at the John Muir Amphitheater and at the Campbell.

The Willows has launched a search for Elliott's replacement.  Until his successor can be named, general director Christine Marshall will serve as interim artistic director.

No interruptions in the 2010-11 season; the company's new production of "Sister Robert Anne's Cabaret Class" opens Nov. 29 at the Campbell, where it continues through Jan. 16.  Starring Deborah Del Mastro, it's the latest in a long line of "Nunsense" shows created by Dan Goggin.

With Elliott gone, will this be the final "Nunsense" installment by the Willows?  Goggin's series has always guaranteed big box office returns for the company.  But now that the debts incurred by Elliott are excused, the incoming director just might take pity on the populace and move the company in a new direction.

Meanwhile, sources close to City Hall say the Campbell may become available for other kinds of live events – whether or not the Willows thrives.