On May 2, my wife and I attended Hal Holbrook's performance of Mark Twain Tonight at the Bell Auditorium. I saw him perform this nearly 12 years ago, and while I didn't think it was possible, his show has gotten even better.

One sad thing I noticed was the number of empty seats. I believe the Bell holds about 2,600 people. My guess is that the auditorium was about one-third empty. A little research on the Internet shows that the rest of Mr. Holbrook's performances for the rest of the year are completely sold out. Why?

I'm sure one of the reasons is because whoever is responsible for ticket sales in Augusta didn't even put them on sale until about four weeks before the show. Advertisements for the show began before Christmas of last year! Earlier in the year, when I called the Bell to ask about ticket sales, I only got a scripted response, saying I'd have to check back later. I e-mailed everyone possible at the entertainment complex's Web site, asking about a time frame for ticket sales. Not one person ever replied.

When I was finally able to purchase the tickets, at the box office window, I asked if still cameras would be allowed during the performance. The agent checked a list that she had before her, and told me that taking pictures would be allowed. Imagine my surprise when I, along with several others around me, were turned around at the door, and had to return our cameras to the car. Not being able to take pictures does not upset me; the lack of communication surrounding the Bell Auditorium does.

Perhaps Mayor Deke Copenhaver needs to forget about his new baseball stadium for now. The city lost about $36,000 of possible revenue on the unsold seats last Saturday. We need a competent group running the Augusta Entertainment Complex first.