Community needs its theater

Thank you, Stephanie Bertholdo, for alerting the fans of the beloved Agoura Hill's Stage Door Theatre of its coming demise in your Aug. 21 article. This was indeed a public service announcement and a shock to those of us who had no knowledge of the problems that this little theater and its caring owners faced.

Losing this little pearl of history on Agoura Road to an impasse in lease negotiations is just so sad. Not only will the historic theater vanish, but even more of a loss will be the loving and active community of thespians and their fans who embraced this tiny 49-seat theater and kept it going for 28 years. This little theater was a love affair over the years, embraced by actors, directors, high school student volunteers, the Agoura Children's Theatre, parents and loyal patrons.

Yikes! What's the matter with us? Why can't we show some support for the longtime owners and heart of this theater: Gale Trumbeaux and her husband, Mike Monteleone. They've given us their hearts, brains, years and sweat, and they've contributed to inspiring and nurturing a future group of theater lovers to ensure that we are going to continue to enjoy good theater and camaraderie for a very long time.

Or would you rather have another office building, extendedstay hotel or fast food operation in its place?

Does anyone even care? Carol Rosenberg Agoura Hills

Editor's note: It is not certain that the theater itself will discontinue, only that the current tenants are being asked to vacate due to a rental dispute.