In Tough Times, Arts Give Us The Escape We Need

But be careful not to overdo it. Remember, you're trying to build an audience, not bore one.

And then there's the gutsy Centerstage, where they are most definitely not paring down their offerings, but exploding them in a brand new "Theatrical Tapas" season of four plays, two short works, four cabarets, a holiday extravaganza and three concert readings.

Now that's the kind of Baltimore theatrical chutzpah that ought to be rewarded - and it's in our power to do so, simply by showing up. Your children will flip over the action-packed staging of Laura Eason's Around the World in 80 Days in November and December, perfectly timed so we can put a stop to the holiday mall madness and enjoy an evening of the season.

My point is, so what if a long vacation is out of the budget this year? A one-night arts getaway is still possible. It might prove more sustaining, and just as memorable.

Plus, every kid in the middle school jazz band, every actor in the high school musical, and every dancer in the local production of the Nutcracker thanks you, in advance.

Janet Gilbert, a freelance writer, lives in Woodstock. Visit her at www.janetgilbert.net.