Columbia Theatre Association for the Performing Arts — Attraction in Longview

Quoted from coverage of the Big Cat (Tiger) controversy covered by The Daily News: “We are a small non-profit,” Morelli said. “This is not about Jay Owenhouse and Big Cat Rescue. This is about someone going after us to try and end a practice they disagree with. … They’re not users of the Columbia Theatre. They’re not in our community. They do not know who we are.”

Guess what Morelli, I was born, raised, and have lived here, mere minutes from you and your theater for over 20 years. I have been to multiple shows here, and your response to the outcry over the upcoming "magic show" is absolutely soulless, packed with lies, and is a disgrace to respectable showmen. As a lifelong local, I have absolutely no respect for you, or any of your recent decisions and statements....

My wife & I thoroughly enjoyed the Nov 16th 2pm matinee production of the Cabaret Follies 2019! We were amazed at the scope of Local Amateur talent that amazed the audience. These singers & dancers were dedicated to performing at the top of their skills! They also organized themselves into many group musicals as well as performing individually. The choreography, costuming, & camaraderie between players was stunning! A truly amazing afternoon of entertainment. The Columbia Theater housed a terrific event today! The audience was thoroughly delighted! Thank you all for your dedication & hard work. It was most appreciated! George...

This theater is attempting to give the illusion of a cultured art me center, however, take note: allowing a show that exploits big cats is very backwards thinking. Shame on the board of directors for supporting this, and I can’t help but be convinced the quality of this theater’s programs is very low. It is sad that in today’s age, having big cats and other wild animals is fun, and I would have thought better of this center. Do better. Educate yourself on the dark underworld of how these animals are trained and what happens to them afterwards, and the conditions they live in while traveling. Hard...