THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 6, 1996 TAG: 9610040238
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 12 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: 32 lines
Hoping to break the ``tunnel barrier'' between Portsmouth and Norfolk, the Virginia Stage Company has chartered a trolley bus to transport theatergoers from this side of the water to the Oct. 13 performance of ``The Mystery of Irma Vep'' at the Wells Theater.
Lori Schick, the Virginia Stage company's public relations director, said the idea came from Mary Barnes of Portsmouth.
``She said she believed more people would come to our shows if we made it easier,'' Schick said. ``So we decided to try it for one performance of each show. This is the first one.''
The Sunday matinee has a 2 p.m. curtain. The trolley will leave from the Holiday Inn at 8 Crawford Parkway on the waterfront at 1:15 p.m. Theater patrons may park in the hotel's parking lot at no cost, Schick said.
The trolley will load and unload at the front door of Wells Theater.
Tickets for the play plus the trolley are $25, slightly less than regular admission to the show. In addition, each person will receive a coupon good for one free entree with the purchase of another entree of equal value at Vic Zodda's Restaurant at the Holiday Inn.
Trolley seating is limited to 28 persons.
``We will add a second trolley if we get good response,'' Schick said. ``I think it's a neat way to go to the theater. No parking or other transportation hassles and the price is right.''
For reservations, call 627-1234. by CNB