The exciting Overture Opening was brought back to reality via Tom Laskin’s Isthmus article (apparently not online) on the financial challenge that several local arts groups face as they migrate to the new facilities:

Off the record, members of the local arts community have suggested that the Rep’s problems stem from lavish spending by artistic Director Richard Corley, who joined the company in 2002. But (acting Rep managing director) Fadell says that such speculation is off the mark. Problems with the bottom line had been building for years.

This quote, surprisingly unattributed reminds me of the challenges Wisconsin faces in business as well as arts.
I remember being pleased years ago, while living in San Francisco, with the can do and risk friendly business (and arts) culture. People are willing to try, fail and try again, generally without fear.
Our local culture is not so tolerant of risk and change, despite the image we try to present. In fact, we tend to protect the status quo (Overture itself is testament to this with it’s compromised facade), rather than relish in it’s demise (and therefore let others benefit – see WARF’s biotech offices in California).
It’s the rare local banker/investor that is willing to take a risk. Better to invest in treasuries, evidently. There’s plenty of cash in Madison & Wisconsin. It just needs to be put to good use, for our children.
Jerry Frautschi and Pleasant have thrown down the gauntlet. Let’s all take advantage of that risk taking. After all, there would be no $700M had they not started Pleasant Company years ago (and Jill Barad’s willingness to write the check).
Corley has certainly stepped up the Rep’s tempo. I hope he continues to push.
We already have one Miller Park….. [All Hat No Cattle]