Gian Paul Morelli grew up in Canton, Ohio and moved to Longview from Manitowoc, Wisconsin and the Capitol Civic Center in 2007 when he accepted the position of Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts. He lives with his wife, Marykay Morelli, who is Community Relations Director of Community Home Health and Hospice, which is located in Longview and Vancouver.

In 1980, the historic Columbia Theatre was scheduled for demolition. The demolition equipment was staged for the job when Mount St. Helens erupted. The contractor who was poised to tear down the theatre and his crew were hired to deal with clean up from the eruption. This gave a group of citizens the opportunity to raise the funds needed to save and develop the building. A $11.3 million renovation of the theatre is underway and a grand re-opening is scheduled for February 4, 2010. The theatre’s current season is underway at the Rose Center for the Arts at the Lower Columbia College in Longview.

ZEST: What brought you to SW Washington?
Gian: I wanted to apply 30 years of arts management experience to a new project. Plus the size and extraordinary potential of the community of Longview. We love so many things about it including the nearby ocean and Cascades. I love smaller communities. They have a huge amount to give. We love the Olympics a lot, too.

ZEST: What do you love about SW Washington?
Gian: The geography, the weather, gardening, the terrain. We really DO love the weather. It’s always interesting.

ZEST: What is the best kept secret about SW Washington?
Gian: We found a yoga class that meets at a church in Longview at 7 a.m. in the morning, five days a week and it only costs a buck! My flexibility has gotten much better and I’ve taken off the 17 pounds that I put on when I got here!

Another secret: I have been surprised and delighted at some of the talent you find here. I went to the Eagles hall in Castle Rock and found a guitarist who is just a killer and you think, “Where did this guy come from?” Avocational musicians are really extraordinary here. This is really great stuff to hear.

ZEST: If you didn’t live here, where would you live?
Gian: Probably Albuquerque, New Mexico.

ZEST: What’s coming up that you are excited about?
Gian: The re-opening of the Columbia Theatre on February 4, 2010 with a performance by the Smothers Brothers. I’m really excited to clue in the rest of SW Washington as to what this theatre means and to show off this new facility.

ZEST: What would surprise people to know about you?
Gian: I’m a rabid Ohio State fan and love avant garde modern dance. I also love the television show, Hee Haw!