It's wonderful to see that so many people care about this; the Palo Alto Children's Theater is important for the community and important for the kids. I also agree very much with "Want to see it done," and think that we as parents and community members can make this work. Some things we can all do in the short term:

1) Call City Manager Frank Benest on whose authority the theater was closed and let him know how important this is to you; he is expected back in the office on Monday: (650) 329-2392. He is not an elected official (and is retiring in June), but he still may be sympathetic to public opinion.

2) Attend the city council meeting on Monday evening, January 28th (this Monday). 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, first floor of the Civic Center at 250 Hamilton in Palo Alto. "Oral communications" are heard at the beginning of the meeting, and can be on any topic; express before the council your support for the theater and the importance of re-opening it swiftly.

3) Join this Yahoo group and use it as a tool to connect and plan: Web Link Let's work toward organizing an interim structure to keep the current production moving toward its February 1st opening night. We have a huge wealth of talent, contacts and energy in this community -- all we need to do is organize it.

4) Directly contact the other parents and volunteers with whom you're personally acquainted.