DATE: Thursday, November 6, 1997            TAG: 9711040153

SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS         PAGE: 12   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: Letters 

                                            LENGTH:   48 lines

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - NORFOLK

A friend and I went to the Harrison Opera House for the last Sunday performance of ``Madame Butterfly'' because we had heard of the new staging, and of Peter Mark's (new to Virginia) talented Asian cast, but most of all, because of Giacomo Puccini's magic.

Once more, we thank Peter Mark for bringing Un Po' d'Italia (a little of Italy) to Virginia, but we do have a few comments for the audience. To those who coughed and sneezed throughout the entire performance, please consider staying home next time you're not well. To those who wore gym attire, please consider changing into something more smart-casual. To those who wore elegant, striking hats, please remove them when you are in your seat (I know you will rightfully want to show them during intermission), and place them on your lap so that those behind you can see. And, finally to the entire audience: Please, please, wait until the music stops, and the priceless message is delivered before you clap.

Interestingly enough, on our way out we picked up a . Under ``Tips for Enjoying the Opera'' we read: ``Wear whatever makes you comfortable,'' and ``clap a lot.'' A service or a disservice to this performing art?

Liana C. Fleming

Adjunct Faculty,

Old Dominion University

College of Arts and Letters Police courageous

On Oct. 9, my wife and I were traveling north on Military Highway. As we approached the I-64 overpass, a car heading in the opposite direction made a U-turn, jumping the curbs and crossing the median. The driver was trying to evade the police who were following closely behind with lights flashing and sirens blaring.

Whether it was instinct or training, this officer applied his turn signal as he pursued the car down Robin Hood Road. This officer was definitely defiantly??-this is the word he used putting his life on the line to protect Norfolk citizens.

As president of the Ocean View Civic League I also see the police in a different role. The PACE officers came to our civic league meetings many times on their nights off. They listen to our problems and help us in many ways.

We should all take time to thank our police officers for a job well done.

Thomas R. Hall

Atwood Avenue

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