Bars were opening early all across the U.S. this morning to show former FBI director James Comey’s testimony to a U.S. Senate panel. Asheville was no different. Asheville Brewing Company’s Merrimon Avenue location includes a movie theater with its own bar, and when it opened at 10 a.m., around 30 people filed into it to watch the proceedings in D.C. Others slowly trickled in as the political theater unfolded in the nation’s capital. “I think there is some drama and excitement to be able to watch this with other people”, says Anne Fitten Glenn, Asheville Brewing Company’s spokesperson. She adds the decision to open early was not out of character for them. “(We) had several long time loyal customers reach out and ask us if we would show the hearings. We consistently try to show big events if we’re able. We show election results, we’ve shown the Oscars. We’re just trying to respond to what our community wants.
So on this Thursday, out was the noon showing of the science fiction movie Ghost In The Shell, and in was the non-fiction sight of a former FBI director testifying under oath about whether president of the United States tried to obstruct justice. And it had the audience spellbound. Not a word was being spoken by those who watched. “There is a lot of focus in there right now. People are very engaged in this moment”, remarked Fitten Glenn.
It shouldn’t take long to find out whether there will be any sequels to this particular movie.