HELP AT THE HERBST

How often does anyone visit the Herbst Theatre these days? I usually stick to the Opera House, Symphony Hall, or even Zellerbach.

But I wanted to see Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and New Century Chamber Orchestra's opening concert. Of all the brochures I received -- LA Opera, SF Opera, SF Symphony, CalPerformances, SFPerformances, etc. --- it was the only concert I knew I had to see.

I got there early (yea!) only to find a line at the single-stall Ladies room. "Isn't there another one downstairs?" I asked. "There's supposed to be one, but how do you get downstairs?" replied a distressed queuer.

"I thought it was over there," I replied, pointing distractedly to the other side of the building.

Then along came an angel. Dressed in black, of course.

"There are restrooms upstairs, if I remember this place," she said.

"Isn't it funny how no one can remember?" I said, following eagerly in her wake.

Two sets of stairs later (these older buildings -- beautiful but wearying (Who's up for renovating the space, by the way? I actually saw holes in the stairwell walls. My goodness!)), I followed along as the angel led me straight down the hall to the facilities.

Owing to her excellent memory, I was neither late for, nor uncomfortable during, the NCCO appearance.

And what a concert! Better and better with each piece. it ended with Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky. I am waiting with baited breath for the next scheduled concert.

Note to the Herbst Theatre: Some signage or even discreet arrows directing folks to the ladies room might be in order. I will happily spring for the expense myself.