Diverse programs

By Felix Hoover

For YourNewsColumbus.com

Posted 06-01-09

The first performances at the Lincoln Theatre in four decades gave audiences a taste of song-and-dance, opera, blues and gospel.

Four days of programs catered to audiences with different tastes and the leading voices behind the renovation of the building want central Ohioans to know they can expect diversity in the theater's offerings and that diverse crowds are essential to its success.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman; Larry H. James, chair of the Lincoln Theatre Association, Bill Conner, president and CEO of CAPA; and County Commissioner Paula Brooks took turns with the introductions over the four day.

Gov. Ted Strickland joined in for the Sunday night performance and marveled at being on the stage that once showcased some of the biggest names in show business.

"This is history in the making and we can share in it,." he said.

Maurice Hines Presents Cole and Sinatra with Love kicked things off on Thursday evening, May 28.

Hines, the Lincoln's artistic director-in-residence, took the soldout house on a musical tour from the historic building at 769 E. Long St. to Route 66 and picked up passengers from the past and present along the way.

His rendition of Route 66 not only saluted pioneering singer and pianist Nat "King" Cole, but also recognized Coleman and James for their vision and persistence in bringing about the theater's $13.5 million renovation.

As Hines indicated in his patter, Route 66 brings out the Cole in all of us. James and Coleman got a chance to prove his assertion when he called them onto the stage.

Part of the tribute to Frank Sinatra saw Hines gliding gracefully across the boards – wood, not rubber -- with Luck Be a Lady.

The polished surface begged tapping. which Hines delivered after two clothing changes, and a bit of teasing.

Hines honored other jazz icons besides Cole and Sinatra, even dipping into the mellow baritone range of Joe Williams for a few measures on Everyday (I Have the Blues).

The Lincoln Theatre has had its share of blues and good times since its opening in 1928 and closing in 1970. Likewise, for the King-Lincoln District in which it is located.

Nonagenarian Lucien C. "Bus" Wright, has witnessed both extremes and everything in between as a resident, educator and entertainer in the neighborhood.

He said he was thrilled by everything on reopening night and briefly recalled days when he played violin and his sister danced on the Lincoln stage.

Ernie Sullivan, who also enjoyed opening night, was among audience members who had attended a preprogram reception for members and guests of the United Way of Central Ohio Key Club. The club is for blacks who donate at least $1,000 a year to the United Way. Members were encouraged to support the theater as they do with essential programs and services supported by the United Way.

Many of the audience members on Friday delighted in the appearance of local favorite Willie Pooch as well as the legend for whom he opened, Bobby "Blue" Bland.

If there were any questions about the acoustics in the theater, they were put to rest during Saturday night's program with Denyce Graves. The softest sounds sung by her or played by accompanist Warren Jones sounded with purity even in the balcony, a new addition to the building.

Some audience members attended all four days of the opening, but most of the performances reflected audiences with different entertainment tastes.

The churchlike mood that often comes with gospel concerts was definitely felt on Sunday when the Harlem Gospel Choir hit the stage for a program cosponsored by the Lincoln Theatre and the King Arts Complex.

Allen Bailey, who founded the choir in 1986, talked about its performance in some of the most prominent venues worldwide.

"The Lincoln Theatre is second to none," he said.