CREMASTER COMPLAINTS
No one disputes the effort expended by the Blue Star staff in bringing Matthew Barney's Cremaster Cycle to the IMAX Theater on December 5 and 6, but those who bought their tickets online had cause to complain about the process. The IMAX website, which directs viewers to www.BlueStarArtSpace.org, uses the PayPal system to allow people to purchase their tickets online. However, upon arrival at the theater, potential viewers were expected to have already traded in their print-out receipts for hard tickets - at Blue Star. (And anyone who bought her ticket in person was obligated to include her name, address, and phone number on the purchase form for the art space's "records.")
The theater's policy didn't allow for late admissions, which was a disappointment for anyone who forked over the considerable admission price ($30/two persons/two films, $50/two persons/two films). Due to liabilities, Blue Star happily exchanged tickets for later dates; but those who missed the last Saturday showing were left without even a refund - not a policy of IMAX.
"It's the person's fault who came in late," explains Gretchen Stieren, a Blue Star organizer. The 8 p.m. Saturday showing, however, allowed late seating, due in part to an impromptu speech by Bill FitzGibbons, the director of Blue Star.
It would be unrealistic to expect that such an undertaking would go without a few hitches, but considering the lack of organization, signs, directions, and help from the Blue Star staff at the event, we hope that future ventures are better structured.
IT'S A NIGHTMARE
The McNay Art Museum (6000 N. New Braunfels, 824-5368) has been keeping one of its private collections under wraps for some time, but recently revealed these treasures to the public in its The Nightmare Before Christmas exhibition. The show includes original character figures, full sets, and props used in Tim Burton's 1993 stop-action film. The works were donated by Robert L.B. Tobin to the McNay that same year and were recently put on exhibit as part of the museum's Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. The exhibit runs through January 25. Admission to the McNay is free. •